"It's just stress." "It's all in your head." "You're being dramatic." If you've heard these phrases from a doctor when you knew something was seriously wrong, you're not alone. Women's symptoms are dismissed or minimized by healthcare providers at alarming rates, and the consequences can be devastating.
The Reality of Gender Bias in Medicine
Research shows that women: - Wait longer in emergency rooms than men with similar symptoms - Are more likely to have their pain undertreated - Are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues when they have physical symptoms - Face longer delays in diagnosis for serious conditions like heart disease and cancer
This isn't just bad medicine—when it causes harm, it's medical malpractice.
Common Examples in Women's Health
**Delayed Cancer Diagnosis** Women's concerns about lumps, pain, or abnormal bleeding are sometimes dismissed as "normal" or attributed to anxiety. By the time cancer is diagnosed, it may have progressed to a more advanced stage.
**Endometriosis and Chronic Pain** Women with endometriosis wait an average of 7-10 years for diagnosis because their pain is dismissed as "bad periods" or "low pain tolerance."
**Heart Attack Misdiagnosis** Women's heart attack symptoms differ from men's, but doctors often miss them, attributing chest pain to anxiety or heartburn.
**Birth Injuries** When doctors ignore a mother's concerns during pregnancy or labor, both mother and baby can suffer serious, preventable injuries.
**Surgical Errors** Mistakes during gynecological surgeries can cause chronic pain, infertility, or other long-term complications.
What Makes It Medical Malpractice?
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. To have a valid claim, you must prove: 1. **Doctor-Patient Relationship:** You were under the doctor's care 2. **Breach of Standard of Care:** The doctor failed to provide the level of care a reasonable doctor would provide 3. **Causation:** The doctor's negligence directly caused your injury 4. **Damages:** You suffered harm as a result
Examples of breaches in women's health: - Failing to order appropriate tests when symptoms warrant them - Dismissing symptoms without proper examination - Misreading test results - Failing to follow up on abnormal findings - Ignoring patient concerns or complaints - Prescribing wrong medication or dosage
Red Flags That You May Have a Case
- Your symptoms were dismissed without proper testing or examination - You told the doctor something was wrong, but they didn't listen - A serious condition was diagnosed much later than it should have been - You suffered harm that could have been prevented with proper care - You had to see multiple doctors before someone took you seriously - Your condition worsened because of delayed or wrong treatment
What to Do If You Suspect Malpractice
**1. Get a Second Opinion** See another doctor immediately. Get the correct diagnosis and treatment you need, and document the difference between what the first doctor said and what you actually have.
**2. Request Your Medical Records** You have a right to your complete medical records. Get copies of: - All visit notes - Test results - Imaging reports - Prescriptions - Correspondence between providers
**3. Document Everything** Write down: - What you told each doctor and when - How they responded - What symptoms you had and when - How the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis affected you - All expenses related to the malpractice
**4. Don't Wait** Indiana has a **two-year statute of limitations** for medical malpractice claims. There's also a requirement to file a proposed complaint with a medical review panel before filing a lawsuit, which takes additional time. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
What You Can Recover
Medical malpractice victims can recover: - Past and future medical expenses - Lost wages and reduced earning capacity - Pain and suffering - Emotional distress - Loss of enjoyment of life - Costs of ongoing care or treatment
In Indiana, there are caps on medical malpractice damages, but an experienced attorney can help you maximize your recovery within those limits.
Why You Need an Attorney Who Understands
Medical malpractice cases are complex. You're up against hospitals, insurance companies, and defense attorneys who will try to minimize or deny your claim. They may even try to blame you for not following up or not being a "good patient."
You need an attorney who: - Believes you when you say the doctor didn't listen - Understands the gender bias in medicine - Has experience with medical malpractice cases - Works with medical experts who can testify on your behalf - Will fight for full compensation
You Deserve to Be Heard
You knew something was wrong. You told them. They didn't listen. And now you're suffering the consequences.
This isn't your fault. You did what you were supposed to do—you sought medical care and advocated for yourself. The doctor failed you.
Let me help you hold them accountable. Contact our office for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. No win, no fee.