Like with many other diseases, early diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) can reduce the disease’s activity and could delay the onset of complete disability. If you were given a delayed diagnosis of MS or any other chronic disease, let our experienced Rochester medical malpractice attorneys help. We will closely examine the facts of your case and determine any legal recourse you may have for your injuries and related losses.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a potentially disabling autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Specifically, MS is a disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the fatty material that surrounds the nerve fibers, causing damage in the process. The damage can take place in the optic nerve, brain and spinal cord preventing the body’s nerve fibers from sending messages correctly and resulting in a variety of symptoms – some may be permanently disabled and lose the ability to walk while others may experience long periods of remised without any new symptoms. There is no cure for MS, although treatments can help manage symptoms.
Sadly, the condition is more common than you may think. According to the Multiple Sclerosis society, about 200 new cases of MS are diagnosed each week in the US. Nearly 1 million people in the country are currently living with the condition and nearly 2.3 million people live with it around the world.
Liability for Misdiagnosing or Failing to Diagnose MS
MS has a complicated set of symptoms, which can resemble the symptoms of other diseases. This can make it hard to diagnose. In addition, there is no single tests that doctors can use to diagnose MS, which means patients often undergo a number of different tests before they are properly diagnosed.
Early diagnosis is vital to receiving prompt treatment that can lessen the damage suffered. When MS is not properly diagnosed, it can lead to faster progression of the untreated condition causing a patient’s health to deteriorate much faster than it would have with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan in place.
If you received a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of MS and you believe it was because of a medical professional’s negligence, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party. Medical malpractice is defined as any act or omission by a medical professional during diagnosis or treatment of a patient that deviates from the accepted norms of practice in the medical community and is a direct cause of injury to a patient. In short, to prove malpractice, you have to show the doctor treating you was negligent in some way and that the negligence was a direct cause of your injury.
Diligent Rochester Medical Malpractice Attorneys
If you or a family member suffered preventable harm due to a diagnostic error relating to MS, you may be entitled to compensation. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our reputable Rochester misdiagnosis attorneys understand how to navigate through even the most complex medical malpractice claims. You can rest assured that we are committed to fighting for your rights. Call 833-200-2000 today or contact us online.
More Blog Posts:
Rochester, NY Cystic Fibrosis Attorneys, New York, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, November 27, 2018
Rochester, New York Endometriosis Malpractice Attorneys, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, November 20, 2018
Rochester Prostrate Cancer Attorneys, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, November 14, 2018