Failure to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis Lawsuits

One of the most common medical malpractice lawsuits brought against pediatricians and emergency room physicians today is failure to diagnose bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis attacks the central nervous system and progresses quickly. If not detected, it can lead to brain damage, coma, and death. Long-term consequences of bacterial meningitis may include hearing loss, mental difficulties, seizures, and paralysis. Due to these severe consequences, prompt detection and medical treatment are required. An experienced personal injury attorney can help if you or a loved one suffered the consequences of a physician’s failure to diagnose and treat bacterial meningitis properly.

Detecting Bacterial Meningitis

Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include:

  • High fever
  • Neck pain and headaches
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness

Risk factors for bacterial meningitis should be considered when a patient is complaining about any of these symptoms. Infants and children are at a higher risk due to potential exposure at daycare centers. However, anyone with a combination of these symptoms may be suffering from this dangerous infection.

When these symptoms are present, measures to detect bacterial meningitis should be performed immediately. Detection of bacterial meningitis may require a spinal tap. Emergency room physicians and even your family doctor are readily able to order this test. With spinal fluid, the strain of bacteria responsible for your symptoms can be identified and proper medication can be administered. Bacterial meningitis is easily treatable with a variety of antibiotics, but it must be treated early.

Holding Negligent Doctors Accountable

There is no excuse for a doctor to fail to recognize the symptoms and other indications of bacterial meningitis. While relatively uncommon in the United States, it is your doctor’s responsibility to pursue all possibilities and ensure you are provided with the timely treatment you require.

The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Wapner Newman are dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice hold negligent physicians accountable. We can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve to make a full recovery from your injury or illness.

If you or your child has suffered injury due to a physician’s failure to diagnose bacterial meningitis, please contact Wapner Newman today to schedule a free initial consultation.