When it comes to effectively treating a disease or medical condition, the correct diagnosis is absolutely crucial. However, far too often, doctors and practitioners misinterpret symptoms and completely misdiagnose a condition, which prevents the patient from receiving the care and attention needed. In the state of Kentucky, failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing a patient can be considered medical malpractice. This allegedly happened to a patient in another state and he filed a lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges the man visited an emergency room with complaints of abdominal pain. After some tests and a CT scan, the man was diagnosed with an inflammation near the small intestines known as mesenteritis and was sent home, according to the suit. Allegedly, the man’s condition quickly deteriorated, and he returned to the hospital only two days later. The lawsuit claimed that an examination during his second visit determined that the man’s appendix had ruptured.
The man required surgery to treat the condition, and during surgery, he suffered a stroke, according to claims. Allegedly, the man’s ruptured appendix also caused him to suffer respiratory failure, sepsis and clotting. The lawsuit claims these complications could have been avoided had the man received a correct diagnosis during his initial hospital visit. A jury recommended that the plaintiff be awarded $1.5 million for his pain and suffering.
Failing to diagnose or a misdiagnosis can result in permanent injury or even the death of the patient. Kentucky residents that have been affected by a similar experience or any type of medical malpractice may be able to take legal action and file a lawsuit. A successful suit could provide financial relief to help families that are struggling with medical expenses accrued as a result of such an experience.
Source: roanoke.com, “Jury delivers $1.5 million malpractice verdict against Roanoke radiology practice“, Neil Harvey, Feb. 20, 2018