Meningitis is a highly contagious infection that can rapidly progress without prompt and appropriate medical treatment, potentially leading to severe complications. As such, if a doctor fails to diagnose meningitis in a timely manner, it can lead to devastating and irreparable harm that requires lifelong treatment. People hurt by such oversights are often overwhelmed by the physical and financial burdens caused by their injuries, but in many instances, they can recover compensation from the providers responsible for their ;psses. If you have questions about what damages are available in failure to diagnose meningitis, it is advisable to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping people harmed by medical negligence seek justice, and if you engage our services, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. We routinely represent people in medical negligence cases in Syracuse, Rochester, and cities throughout Upstate New York.
Evidence Needed to Prevail in Failure to Diagnose Meningitis LawsuitsMeningitis is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, with bacterial meningitis being particularly severe and potentially life-threatening. Common symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. The failure to diagnose meningitis promptly can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. Without timely treatment, bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly, causing brain damage, hearing loss, vision problems, seizures, and even death. As such, many people hurt by delayed or missed meningitis diagnoses will pursue damages in medical malpractice lawsuits.
Many cases arising out of the failure to diagnose meningitis resolve before they proceed to trial. In some cases, though, the parties are unable to come to an agreement on issues such as liability or damages, and it becomes necessary to resolve their disputes with a trial before a judge or a jury. Therefore, comprehending the trial process is crucial for anyone seeking fair compensation in failure to diagnose meningitis lawsuits.
In a medical malpractice trial, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. Initially, the plaintiff must present evidence establishing that the defendant had an obligation to treat the plaintiff in accordance with the accepted standard of medical care. This standard refers to the level of care expected from a competent professional with similar skills and training in the same medical community under comparable circumstances. Subsequently, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant departed from this standard and that this deviation directly caused them harm.
Given the complicated issues that arise in medical malpractice cases, especially those involving failure to diagnose meningitis, the plaintiff will probably need to rely on expert testimony to elucidate the applicable standard of care and show how the defendant deviated from the standard. Conversely, the defendant may present their own expert testimony. Ultimately, whether the judge or jury deems the defendant liable for the plaintiff’s losses depends on which party’s evidence is more compelling.
Damages Recoverable in Failure to Diagnose Meningitis LawsuitsIn addition to proving liability, a plaintiff in a failure to diagnose meningitis lawsuit must substantiate their damages. This typically entails providing evidence of both economic and non-economic harm resulting from the defendant's breach. Economic damages may encompass past and future medical expenses, which can be substantial, especially in cases in which the plaintiff requires lifelong care and assistance. It may also include lost wages or loss of income if the plaintiff is unable to work due to their losses. Often, the involvement of medical and economic experts becomes necessary to ascertain the severity and permanence of the injury and quantify the financial losses. Beyond economic damages, the plaintiff can introduce evidence of the pain and suffering endured as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
Confer with a Skilled Medical Malpractice Attorney in Syracuse, Rochester, or Upstate New YorkIf you sustained losses due to the failure to diagnose meningitis, you may be able to recover damages, and you should confer with an attorney. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are proficient at helping people establish liability in medical malpractice lawsuits, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek a favorable outcome. Our main office is in Syracuse, and we regularly represent parties harmed by medical negligence in Syracuse as well as in Rochester and other cities throughout Upstate New York. You can reach us to arrange a complimentary and confidential conference by calling us at 833-200-2000 or through our form online.