Meningitis Misdiagnosis Claims

Attorneys Handling Late Diagnosis of Meningitis Claims

As a cornerstone of our healthcare system, the prompt and accurate diagnosis of a patient’s ailment is critical to providing the very best of medical care. When a person suffers from a condition as serious as meningitis, for instance, any failure to accurately and promptly diagnose him or her can be altogether devastating, if not fatal. When medical professionals fail to take the actions necessary to protect their patients, then, they may be held liable for any related consequences to their patients’ health.

When patients are not promptly provided with the necessary treatment plan, meningitis may cause irreparable harm before it is finally brought back under control. It is with this in mind, then, that our legal team will work with you to assess the full extent of the damages associated with your injuries, including the following:

• Any further medical care
• Any loss of income or diminished capacity to earn
• Any further suffering you experienced

Our legal team will do everything they possibly can to help you pursue litigation against the responsible party.

If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a medical professional's failure to diagnose meningitis, Crowe & Harris, LLP can help you pursue full and fair compensation. Dial (617) 404-3417 today to discover your legal options.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral or bacterial infection. While some cases of meningitis can improve without treatment in as little as a few weeks, others can be life-threatening and require emergency treatment.

Symptoms of meningitis are often flu-like and can develop quickly over the course of a few days. Possible signs of meningitis include:

• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Severe headache with nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Seizures
• Sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Light sensitivity
• No appetite or thirst
• Skin rash
• Agitation or irritability

How Is Meningitis Diagnosed?

Meningitis is typically diagnosed via a physical exam and various diagnostic tests. If a person is suspected to have meningitis, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) should be conducted to test spinal fluid for glucose, protein, cell count, and culture levels. Other tests may include a blood culture, chest x-ray, and/or a CT scan.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for medical professionals chalk up meningitis as a simple headache or fever and forego these diagnostic procedures, which can lead to severe health complications for a patient.

Untreated meningitis can potentially lead to:

• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Memory and learning disabilities
• Seizures
• Intracranial pressure
• Kidney damage
• Shock
• Death

Consult With a Meningitis Misdiagnosis Attorney in Boston

If you or a loved one was not promptly and correctly diagnosed by your doctor, you should speak with one of the meningitis misdiagnosis attorneys at Crowe & Harris, LLP, to begin assessing the legal action that may be available to you.

To discuss the particulars of your claim with one of our medical malpractice attorneys, please call our offices at (617) 404-3417 today.