Kidney failure, a severe medical condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, can be life-threatening if not timely diagnosed and treated. When a healthcare provider’s negligence results in a delayed diagnosis, the consequences can be devastating. In such instances, a medical malpractice attorney may be able to help.
Kidney Failure: A Silent Threat
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, can occur gradually (chronic kidney disease) or suddenly (acute kidney failure). The National Kidney Foundation estimates that approximately 37 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease, but nearly 90% are unaware of their condition due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. A delayed diagnosis can allow the disease to progress to an advanced stage, leading to a reduced quality of life, expensive medical treatment, and potentially fatal complications.
Delayed Diagnosis: The Cost of Negligence
The standard of care in medicine requires healthcare providers to recognize symptoms and risk factors, conduct appropriate tests, and correctly interpret results to diagnose kidney failure in a timely manner. When they fail to do so, whether by misinterpreting test results, failing to order necessary tests, or disregarding a patient’s complaints, this delay can result in irreversible damage and, in extreme cases, the need for dialysis or transplantation.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Advocates for Justice
If you or a loved one has suffered from a delayed diagnosis of kidney failure due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, a medical malpractice attorney can help in several ways:
- Determining the Validity of a Claim: Not all cases of delayed diagnosis constitute malpractice. An attorney can help determine whether your situation meets the necessary legal criteria: a doctor-patient relationship existed, the doctor was negligent, their negligence caused the injury, and the injury led to specific damages.
- Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Medical malpractice claims require extensive evidence, including medical records, test results, and expert testimonies. An experienced attorney knows what evidence to gather and how to interpret it to build a strong case.
- Calculating Damages: Compensation in medical malpractice cases can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney can accurately quantify these damages to ensure you seek appropriate compensation.
- Navigating Legal Processes: Medical malpractice claims involve intricate laws and procedures that vary by state. An attorney can navigate these complexities, ensuring all necessary steps are taken within required timelines.
- Negotiating or Litigating: Most medical malpractice claims are settled out of court, but if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial. An attorney can advocate for you in both scenarios, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Delayed Diagnosis Cases
Suffering from kidney failure is challenging enough without the added burden of a delayed diagnosis due to a healthcare provider’s negligence. If you find yourself in this situation, a medical malpractice attorney can provide crucial support. While they cannot reverse the physical and emotional impact, they can advocate for your rights, seek the compensation you deserve, and bring you one step closer to justice.
Call our medical malpractice lawyer for a free consultation today
If you or someone you care about is suffering from advanced kidney disease and you think the kidney problems were caused by the negligence of a healthcare professional, contact Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli and Pratt today. Our qualified and experienced medical malpractice lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and work to determine whether you are entitled to compensation for what happened. This could include:
- Coverage of your medical bills
- Lost income if you can no longer work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of quality of life damages
When you need a Hawaii kidney disease attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 808-736-5035.