Common illnesses such as strep throat are conditions that many Houston residents will deal with in their lifetimes. These common illnesses can be easily detected by healthcare professionals using a test. But, when these illnesses go undetected and there is a failure to diagnose they can lead to a more severe infection.
A woman in another state has been awarded a multimillion dollar settlement because her strep throat went undetected, which led to her losing all four of her limbs. The woman went to the hospital complaining of abdominal pain, fever and a rapid heartbeat. After nine hours at the hospital she was discharged with instructions to see her gynecologist for fibroid issues. She later collapsed at home due to septic shock. That infection was treated, but she suffered from damage to her vascular system and her arms and legs had to be amputated. Her attorney argued that she was never told that she could be suffering from a life-threatening bacterial infection, information that would have given her the opportunity to seek additional treatment.
When a person is affected by a common infection that goes undetected it often leads to a worsened condition. A simple antibiotic can cure many of these infections, but a negligent physician who doesn’t take the time to consider all possibilities can be catastrophic to patients. A medical malpractice lawsuit could help patients determine what steps can be taken against their medical provider. The right legal approach will investigate the circumstances surrounding the medical care in question and determine if someone is at fault for a patient’s worsened condition. Compensation can be available for these patients and their families.
When a physician is negligent with their care towards their patients they should be held accountable. A person’s health is not something to be taken lightly and second chances often aren’t available.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Jury awards woman $25.3 million in malpractice case,” Cary Spivak, July 7, 2014