Diagnostic Error Injuries

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Columbus

Medical malpractice cases often involve some sort of negligence or malpractice on the part of treating medical personnel or the hospital. Others are based on equipment defects or failure. A recent study has brought to light an area that thus far has gained little attention: diagnostic errors. A Columbus medical malpractice attorney with Rourke and Blumenthal will work with you if or a loved one suffered as a result of a diagnostic error.

The study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found 190 patients for whom errors in diagnosis occurred. Of these, 36 suffered serious and permanent damage, and 27 died. The study postulates that as many as 150,000 patients nationwide may be victims of diagnostic error each year.

Failure to Diagnose Spinal Epidural Abscess

An epidural abscess of the spinal column is rare, but if it is not treated quickly can be fatal. Epidural abscesses can be difficult to diagnose initially, for symptoms can be non-specific and relatable to other conditions. Among these include general malaise, fever, and back pain.

Certain procedures to the spine and localized anesthesia can lead to abscesses as well. A doctor should suspect spinal epidural abscess in these patients until it is ruled out by appropriate testing. Standard care for an epidural abscess diagnosis should involve immediate surgery to drain the abscess, or, the use of antibiotics directly on the abscess, if the patient is considered high-risk for surgery.

Given that this condition is rare and possesses fairly general symptoms, one may wonder whether the failure to diagnose could constitute medical malpractice. Ultimately this is a matter that must be determined in the details of your case. Having a Columbus medical malpractice attorney by your side who has experience with epidural abscess cases is essential. Call our firm today if you or a loved has been the victim of a diagnostic error.

Failure to Correctly Diagnose Meningitis

Meningitis—an inflammation of the protective membranes which cover the brain and spine—is also easy to misdiagnose due to the commonality of its symptoms with other conditions. Similarly, failure to diagnose meningitis can very quickly lead to death in the patient.

Among the most common symptoms of meningitis are headache, stiff neck, and fatigue. Other symptoms that are less common or that occur as the condition progresses are confusion, intolerance to light, and drowsiness.

A patient who is known to have been exposed to meningitis needs to be tested quickly, given the rapidity of the onset of the condition. The most common procedure for determining meningitis is a lumbar puncture. This entails injecting a needle into the spinal canal to remove and test the cerebrospinal fluid.

Get A Free Consultation With Our Legal Team

If you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice, whether for misdiagnosis or some other form of negligence, a Columbus medical malpractice attorney at Rourke and Blumenthal may be able to help.