Imagine rushing your child to the emergency room with severe stomach pain only for the doctors to fail to treat the root cause of that pain in a timely manner. For parents, this can be a nightmare scenario. Watching your child suffer needlessly is something no parent should ever have to experience, but if your child is suffering from appendicitis and their doctor fails to diagnose their condition correctly, that nightmare can become a reality. Holding pediatricians accountable for their actions can protect other families from having to go through the same scenario. But can you sue for appendicitis with help from a Pennsylvania pediatric medical malpractice attorney? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, an organ located on the abdomen’s lower righthand side. The inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms, many of which are commonly associated with other stomach conditions including:
- Generalized abdominal pain like a stomachache
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Sharp pain in the lower abdomen
- Vomiting
Most commonly, appendicitis is treated with surgery and once the appendix is removed, your child is able to recover quickly. But if your child isn’t diagnosed quickly, it can lead to serious complications.
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
Appendicitis is commonly diagnosed with ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, blood tests, and other diagnostic screenings. However, before doctors perform those tests, they should ask about your child’s medical history and perform a physical exam checking for tenderness and pain around the lower abdomen. These tests are widely considered standard procedures.
Common Reasons for Misdiagnosis
Unfortunately, some doctors may fail to recognize the signs of appendicitis in children with underlying health conditions like Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, and even period cramps. These conditions can all have similar symptoms and can easily be ruled out by performing standard diagnostic tests.
What Misdiagnosed Appendicitis Can Lead To
Failure to accurately diagnose appendicitis can lead to a worsening of your child’s symptoms. But if the appendix isn’t removed in time, the inflammation can get worse and the organ may rupture or burst, potentially spreading infection throughout your child’s bloodstream. The infection can be life-threatening.
Misdiagnosis May Constitute Malpractice
Because appendicitis is relatively common, misdiagnosis of the condition can constitute medical malpractice. However, to show that your child was the victim of medical malpractice, you’ll need to prove that:
The doctor responsible was treating your child and had a doctor-patient relationship.
The doctor breached their duty of care by not examining your child or administering tests that any other doctor would have.
Your child suffered injuries that would’ve been avoided with prompt diagnosis.
Your Pennsylvania pediatric medical malpractice attorney can help you compile the necessary evidence to prove negligence and help you strengthen your claim against your child’s doctor.
What to Do if Your Child Suffered From Misdiagnosed Appendicitis
If you believe your child suffered from a misdiagnosed case of appendicitis, you may be able to sue for damages and hold the doctor accountable for their actions. The best thing you can do is speak with an experienced attorney who is familiar with pediatric appendicitis malpractice cases like yours.
They’ll be able to review your case and your child’s medical care history to help you decide if suing is in your best interest. If it is, they’ll be able to represent your family and your child in court.
Let Latona Law Help
If your child suffered complications from appendicitis that weren’t diagnosed correctly by their doctor, you may be able to file a lawsuit. At Latona Law, our team has years of experience in helping families get the compensation they deserve for these preventable injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.