Did Your Doctor Miss An Infection Diagnosis?
People go to the doctor when they are not feeling well and they know something is wrong. Too often, however, the doctors rush patients through without reviewing lab results or fully listening to a patient’s complaints. Suddenly that patient has a worsening infection, which may lead to a severe illness, sepsis or even death.
If you have been a victim of medical malpractice due to a missed or delayed diagnosis of an infection, you need someone who will stand up for your rights. John A. Caputo & Associates, P.C., we will fight for you. Our award-winning lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience helping injured plaintiffs in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.
Infections With The Highest Rate Of Misdiagnosis
With so many illnesses and infections out there, pinpointing a specific cause can be understandably difficult. A few of the infections that doctors commonly miss include:
- Lyme disease. This tick-born illness affects people for an average of 1.2 years before they are properly diagnosed.
- UTIs and STIs. One study found that emergency rooms misdiagnose, or even mix up, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections in women almost half the time.
- Fungal infections. These types of infections generally affect skin and nails, but are often mistaken for other conditions.
- Viral infections. Doctors often fail to conduct follow-up tests to confirm a viral infection diagnosis.
Of course, this is not a complete list. Some studies show that doctors misdiagnose infections more than any other condition.
Example Case: Missed Diagnosis Of Bacterial Meningitis Has High Stakes
Bacterial meningitis can fool doctors because its symptoms of high fever, headache and muscle aches mimic the flu. Unfortunately, bacterial meningitis is much more dangerous than the flu, or even its cousin, viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord and requires immediate treatment. If a doctor’s diagnosis is wrong, or even delayed, it can cost a patient his or her life.
Trust Your Malpractice Claim To Our Skilled Attorneys
We will help you understand your medical malpractice claim and identify a path for the best possible outcome for your case. Call our office at 412-620-6361 or send us an online message to arrange for a free initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.