When we go to the doctor, we do it believing that we will receive nothing but the most capable medical services. After all, we are talking about medical professionals with years of preparation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and as a result of negligence, thousands of people are injured every year in the U.S.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligent actions of a health care professional, we may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your losses. To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Bennett and Heyman, P.A., today at (410) 429-7856.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a debilitating condition affecting the lives of thousands of children and adults in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), hydrocephalus is an illness characterized by the accumulation of fluids in the brain. The fluid found in the brain of people suffering from this condition – cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF – widens the ventricles and causes damage to the brain’s tissue.
CSF plays a vital role in the brain’s normal functions; it transports nutrients, stabilizes the brain within the skull, and carries waste away from the brain, among other critical tasks. To avoid potential complications, CSF needs to flow without interruption. The over-accumulation of fluids in the brain without proper flow is what commonly causes hydrocephalus.
Generally, people associate this debilitating condition with children. However, hydrocephalus also affects the lives of thousands of adults. According to the Hydrocephalus Association, an estimated 700,000 Americans live with this debilitating condition. Shockingly, many of these people suffer from symptoms associated with this condition without receiving a diagnosis.
Diagnosing Hydrocephalus
There are different types of hydrocephalus, such as hydrocephalus ex-vacuo and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Both iterations of the condition must be thoroughly monitored to provide a proper and timely diagnosis. For instance, diagnosing NPH requires monitoring common symptoms such as headaches, nausea, bladder control issues, and dementia. Additionally, your treating physician must proactively review your medical history, perform any required physical examinations, run tests, and perform neurological examinations using CT scans, MRIs, CAT scans, and other forms of neuroimaging technology. Proper diagnosis of the condition can help your doctor determine the necessary steps to treat your disease.
Sadly, many people (especially adults) live with hydrocephalus without any awareness of the fact that they suffer from this debilitating condition. According to the Hydrocephalus Association, 80% of those who may be living with NPH remain undiagnosed. This is an alarming number considering the difficulties and dangers that come with this illness. Most of these cases – if not all of them – could show better results if diagnosed quickly. Medical negligence may play a key role in hydrocephalus misdiagnosis.
Can I Sue for Failure to diagnose Hydrocephalus?
You may have a cause of action against your treating physician if he or she failed to diagnose your condition and, as a result, you suffered harm. Generally, you can obtain compensation from the liable parties by filing a type of personal injury lawsuit known as a medical malpractice claim. To be successful in your claim, you will need to show that your physician was indeed negligent and that such negligence led to losses – whether physical, emotional, or psychological.
There are specific requirements that every plaintiff must meet in medical malpractice claims. Keep in mind that the plaintiff has the burden to prove the negligence of the defendant. This is achieved by showing the following elements with the court:
- Your doctor owed you a duty of care
- Your doctor breached their duty of care
- The breach of duty caused you harm
- You suffered losses that justify the concession of a remedy
Once you have been able to prove all these elements with the court, you may be awarded compensation for things such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. The amount of damages a person can obtain in a medical malpractice claim will depend on different factors. Also, the state of Maryland sets a cap on the amount of compensation a person can receive as a result of their medical malpractice lawsuit. A skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and guide you through the entire process.
Baltimore Lawyer for Failure to Diagnose Hydrocephalus Offering Free Consultations
Hydrocephalus is a very delicate condition that requires proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. If you or a loved one have been harmed by the negligent actions or omissions of a health care professional, we can help. At Bennet and Heyman, P.A., we have developed the skills and experience required to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. To set up a free, confidential consultation about your case, call our law offices today at (410) 429-7856.
