Published by Arfaa Law Group
If you or someone you know has been harmed due to a medical professional’s failure to diagnose meningitis, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys can help. At Arfaa Law Group, we are committed to holding doctors and hospitals accountable in cases involving a failure to diagnose meningitis. You can trust that we will explore the facts of your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
The Mayo Clinic defines meningitis as an inflammation of the membranes surrounding an individual’s brain and spinal cord. Swelling from the condition typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, seizures, sleepiness, light sensitivity, vomiting or nausea, or a stiff neck. It is important to note that there are many types of meningitis that a person can contract: bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, spinal meningitis, parasitic meningitis, and non-infectious meningitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 3,000 people in the United States contract meningitis every year. The CDC also reports that more than one out of every 10 cases of spinal meningitis caused by bacteria are fatal, representing about 400-500 deaths annually.
A missed diagnosis or a delay in diagnosis can have serious and long-term consequences for a patient, such as brain damage, paralysis, seizures, hearing loss, vision loss, and even death. This is why it is critical for a physician to correctly identify and diagnose meningitis. If a doctor causes you harm because of a missed meningitis diagnosis because he or she fails to order the right tests or to properly read test results, that doctor may be liable for medical malpractice.
Medical malpractice takes place when a medical professional fails to meet the standard of care that a medical professional in the same specialty would use. Put another way, medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or another health care provider fails to do what a reasonably prudent doctor or other health care provider would do under the same or similar circumstances. It is not enough to show that the medical professional failed to use the appropriate level of care; the plaintiff must also establish that the medical professional’s conduct was a direct cause of his or her harm.
If you have lost a loved one due to a missed or delayed meningitis diagnosis, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent medical professional. Under Maryland law, certain surviving family members, such as the decedent’s spouse, child, or parent, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Unlike other states, Maryland typically does not permit siblings, step-children, or grandparents to bring wrongful death claims.
At Arfaa Law Group, our experienced Baltimore medical negligence lawyers are committed to helping victims of malpractice in cases involving meningitis. We understand the last thing you want to think about after dealing with a serious medical concern is the legal process, but you can rest assured that we will handle your case with the utmost compassion. Seeking justice and compensation in your case can help you move on with your life. For more information, do not hesitate to call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.
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