According to a CNN article, appendicitis is among the top 15 disease that are often misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Even so, does it mean that you have the right to pursue legal action against the doctor who failed to properly diagnose you or the hospital at which that doctor works? WebMD says that one in every 15 Americans will get appendicitis at some point in their lives. It is most common for individuals between 10 and 30 years of age.
What Exactly Is Appendicitis and What Happens If It's Missed?
According to WebMD, appendicitis is another name for an appendix that has become inflamed. It is considered a medical emergency. In other words, if not treated in a timely manner, it can cause death. Usually, surgery is required to treat appendicitis.
If it is left undiagnosed and untreated, whether at the fault of a doctor or not, the inflamed appendix can burst and cause infectious materials to enter your abdominal cavity. This can eventually lead to inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity's lining, which is where the potential fatality comes into the picture. If found quickly enough, it can be treated with strong antibiotics.
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed by Health Care Experts?
According to MayoClinic, appendicitis can be diagnosed through a series of tests and procedures. These include physical exams, blood tests, urine tests and imaging tests. One of the most common physical examinations conducted is the application of pressure on the area where pain is being experienced, and examining the response of the patient. A blood test can be taken to check for abnormal white blood cell counts, which can help indicate that there is an infection. A urinalysis can help rule out other potential conditions, such as a kidney stone or a urinary tract infection (UTI). In some cases, an X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound may be scheduled to confirm the source of your pain.
What Can You Do When Your Doctor Fails to Properly Diagnose Appendicitis?
If you went to the doctor with the symptoms of appendicitis and your physician failed to implement the proper testing, which led to the physician improperly diagnosing you, issuing an untimely diagnosis or failing to diagnose you with appendicitis at all, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Keep in mind that there are statutes of limitations when it comes to some medical malpractice cases, so you'll want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the misdiagnosis occurs. An attorney can help examine the facts of your case and help you determine whether your claim warrants legal action and is compensable.
Share7 October 2015
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