Failure to Communicate Test Results Medical Malpractice
Posted on July 25, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Medical Malpractice
Test results in today’s healthcare system aren’t just data; they can differentiate between timely treatment and preventable harm. Failure to communicate test results medical malpractice is a serious concern in Portland and across Oregon.
Healthcare professionals have a legal and ethical duty to share test findings with patients promptly and accurately. When this doesn’t happen, treatment can be delayed, conditions may worsen, and patients can suffer avoidable harm. These failures aren’t just administrative mistakes; they may violate the standard of care and result in lasting physical, emotional, or financial consequences.
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we’ve seen how critical information can be missed or ignored, and the devastating impact it can have on those affected. These situations often involve patients who never knew results were available until it was too late, turning what could’ve been manageable conditions into long-term medical crises. Our experienced Portland medical malpractice lawyer team is committed to holding negligent providers accountable when communication failures lead to serious harm.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 Can Failing to Communicate Test Results Be Considered Malpractice?
Yes, it can. Providers must meet professional standards, including informing patients about their test results. It may be considered medical malpractice when they fail to do so, and a patient is harmed. Communication failures often result from:
- Misfiled lab reports or overlooked electronic records
- Delays between test completion and review
- Staff shortages or disorganized internal systems
Whether the outcome is a missed cancer diagnosis or an untreated infection, delays in relaying test results can form the basis of a failure to communicate test results medical malpractice claim.
Legal Duty to Inform Patients About Test Results
Oregon medical professionals are legally obligated to keep patients informed about their health information. Under Oregon Administrative Rules (847-012-0000), “health information in the medical record” includes:
- (a) Details about a patient’s past, present, or future physical or mental health
- (b) Records concerning healthcare services provided
- (c) Information on payment for those services
Failure to communicate test results promptly can violate a patient’s right to informed care. Under Oregon law, this may be considered medical malpractice. Test results fit within this definition.
Common Consequences of Delayed or Missing Test Result Communication
The consequences can be severe and sometimes irreversible when test results go unshared. Common outcomes include:
- Delayed diagnosis of severe conditions like cancer, stroke, or heart disease
- Unnecessary treatments based on incomplete or outdated information
- Worsening conditions due to a lack of intervention
- Emotional distress caused by uncertainty and lack of clarity
- Financial strain, such as higher medical costs or missed work
These errors affect more than just physical health; they disrupt lives and erode trust in the medical system.
How to Prove Malpractice in Test Result Communication Cases
It’s not enough to show that a mistake occurred; you must prove the provider’s failure caused harm. According to the American Judicature Society, strong evidence is critical. To build a solid claim, you’ll need:
- Medical records showing when tests were ordered and results became available
- Documentation of whether the results were communicated
- Expert testimony to explain how the standard of care was breached
- Proof of damages: physical, emotional, or financial
Gathering this evidence while recovering can be difficult. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and work with a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice cases.
Steps to Take If You Believe You’ve Been Harmed
If you suspect that test results weren’t communicated properly and your health suffered as a result, here’s what to do:
- Request your complete medical records
- Create a timeline of tests, appointments, and follow-ups
- Note who communicated with you—and who didn’t
- Get a second medical opinion
- Speak with a medical malpractice attorney
These steps will help determine whether a failure to communicate test results medical malpractice claim may apply, and increase your chances of preserving critical evidence.
How a Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
At Paulson Coletti, we understand the toll these errors take. We approach every case with care, diligence, and urgency. Our team can help by:
- Investigating communication gaps and medical documentation
- Consulting with medical experts
- Identifying how the failure to communicate led to harm
- Handling negotiations or taking your case to trial if needed
We build strong, evidence-based cases and treat your story with the respect it deserves, recognizing the pain, uncertainty, and trust you’ve had to endure.
Contact Paulson Coletti for a Free Consultation
When test results go unreported, the consequences can be life-changing: missed diagnoses, delayed treatment, and lasting harm. If your provider’s failure to inform you caused unnecessary suffering, we’re ready to help you pursue accountability.
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, we handle failure to communicate test results medical malpractice cases throughout Oregon with the experience, attention, and dedication every client deserves. Call 503-226-6361 today for a free consultation.
Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.