When your child is sick, you rely on doctors to listen, investigate symptoms, and take action. But what happens when they don’t? What if your concerns were dismissed, symptoms were misread, or a diagnosis came too late—after your child’s condition worsened or became life-threatening?
At Fronzuto Law Group, Ernest P. Fronzuto, Esq. and his team have spent decades standing up for New Jersey families in exactly these types of situations. With a deep focus on pediatric malpractice and complex medical negligence claims, the firm helps parents pursue accountability when a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose causes harm.
If you believe a doctor missed something serious in your child’s care, you’re not alone—and you may have legal options. This blog will walk you through what you need to know about missed diagnoses in children, how they happen, and what your next steps can be.
When Doctors Get It Wrong
Children can’t always describe their symptoms clearly. That’s why pediatricians, emergency room staff, and other providers are trained to ask the right questions, recognize patterns, and order appropriate tests. When that process breaks down, serious conditions may go undiagnosed—sometimes with devastating consequences.
Some commonly missed or delayed pediatric diagnoses include:
- Meningitis or sepsis: Often mistaken for a mild fever or irritability until it rapidly worsens.
- Appendicitis: Can present as vague abdominal pain or nausea, especially in very young children.
- Diabetes (especially Type 1): Frequently misdiagnosed as a stomach virus until diabetic ketoacidosis sets in.
- Leukemia or other cancers: Sometimes mistaken for fatigue or joint pain linked to common infections.
- Respiratory or ear infections: May be overlooked if symptoms are dismissed as “just a cold”.
- Congenital or genetic disorders: May be missed during routine screenings or follow-ups.
In some cases, what starts as a seemingly minor complaint may be the first sign of something far more serious. If a provider fails to dig deeper, delays testing, or sends a child home without appropriate follow-up, the condition can worsen quickly—and sometimes irreversibly.
Was It Malpractice? Understanding What Went Wrong
Not every missed diagnosis is grounds for a lawsuit. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure causes injury or harm.
This may include situations where:
- A doctor failed to order appropriate testing despite red flags.
- Lab results or imaging were misread or overlooked.
- The provider dismissed serious symptoms as minor without proper evaluation.
- There was a delay in referring the child to a specialist when it was clearly needed.
To determine whether malpractice occurred, your legal team will need to examine your child’s medical history, the actions taken (or not taken), and whether those decisions align with accepted medical standards.
At Fronzuto Law Group, we work with trusted pediatric and diagnostic experts to evaluate these complex cases and determine whether the harm could—and should—have been prevented.
When Delayed Diagnosis Causes Harm
Timing is everything in medicine. A delay in diagnosis can turn a treatable illness into a life-altering condition. Children may suffer permanent damage, such as loss of organ function, brain injury, mobility challenges, or developmental delays. In some heartbreaking cases, the delay can be fatal.
Families often face more than physical consequences—they may also be left with emotional trauma, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term care needs. These burdens are deeply personal, but they may also give rise to a valid legal claim.
Can You Sue If a Doctor Missed Something?
In New Jersey, you may be able to pursue a pediatric malpractice claim if:
- A provider-patient relationship existed.
- The provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- That failure caused harm to your child.
- Your family experienced damages as a result (physical, emotional, financial).
If these elements are met, your family may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (ongoing and future care)
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury or disability
- Loss of future income
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
The attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group have built a reputation for helping families secure justice after pediatric medical negligence and for guiding parents through every step of the legal process with clarity and compassion.
What If You’re Not Sure Something Was Missed?
You don’t need to have all the answers to reach out. Many parents come to us uncertain—feeling that something wasn’t right, but not knowing exactly what went wrong. Maybe the provider was dismissive. Maybe the symptoms were brushed off. Or maybe the diagnosis came, but only after it was too late.
At Fronzuto Law Group, we listen without judgment. Our job is to review your child’s records, consult with knowledgeable medical professionals, and determine whether the care provided was appropriate or negligent. Even if you’re unsure, you deserve honest answers.
Acting Within the Time Limit
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date of the injury. When the injury involves a minor, the law typically allows until the child’s 13th birthday to file a claim.
We understand that families may hesitate—whether due to grief, uncertainty, or hoping for improvement. That hesitation is completely natural. Still, it’s important to remember that the sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better positioned you are to protect your child’s legal rights and secure the support they may need for the future.
Concerned a Doctor Missed Something? Fronzuto Law Group Is Here to Help
If you believe a doctor failed to diagnose your child’s serious condition, don’t face it alone. At Fronzuto Law Group, we help parents across New Jersey seek answers and accountability when a healthcare provider’s failure causes lasting harm.
We proudly represent families in Passaic County, Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Union County, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re in Woodland Park, Newark, Hackensack, Jersey City, Clifton, or Morristown, our team is ready to listen.
Contact Fronzuto Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced New Jersey pediatric malpractice attorney. We're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward protecting your child’s future.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and you should consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific legal situation. For personalized guidance, please contact Fronzuto Law Group directly.