Indianapolis Lawyers for Failure to Diagnose Appendicitis Medical Malpractice
A physician is responsible to accurately assess and interpret patient symptoms and present a diagnosis. A missed or wrong diagnosis can have a devastating effect on a patient’s health and quality of life and can result in death.
A study examining the subject of physician error found after assessing medical malpractice claims between 2013 and 2017 that 33% of malpractice claims were related to errors in patient diagnosis including missed or wrong diagnosis. Diagnostic errors have continued to be one of the leading causes for patient injury and death in medical malpractice claims.
How serious is appendicitis
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. It is also considered common. It is estimated that over 5 percent of Americans will experience appendicitis at some point. However, if left untreated the appendix may burst and could spread bacteria and infection throughout the abdomen. This obviously can cause serious and sometimes fatal injury for the patient.
What are the signs of appendicitis
If you think you may have appendicitis, see a physician immediately. Symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
These symptoms and others may indicate appendicitis and require immediate medical attention.
Summary of a failure to diagnose appendicitis claim
A young woman in the first trimester of pregnancy presented to a hospital for complaints of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Over the following several months, she would return to the emergency department 6 more times with similar complaints. Only after she gave birth did her medical providers notice a large abscess near her right hip. She was diagnosed with appendicitis shortly thereafter and required many months of treatment for the undiagnosed infection as a result.
Indiana medical malpractice claim for missed diagnosis
You or a loved one may have an Indiana medical malpractice claim if you were injured as a result of a delay in diagnosis from a doctor, dentist, or other medical professional. Each case is different so we urge you to contact us and talk to our experienced Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys to discuss your legal rights and options. We have litigated cases from South Bend, Evansville, Lake County, Anderson, Muncie, and all around the state. We do not charge for your initial consultation and do not collect fees until you are compensated for your claim. Cohen & Malad, LLP has earned a well-respected reputation as a tough litigation firm in the courtroom and during negotiations and can bring Power to Your Voice.
