What Is The Failure To Diagnose Endocarditis?

Endocarditis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves, typically due to infection. When healthcare providers fail to diagnose endocarditis in a timely manner, the results can be catastrophic. The delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications, including heart damage, stroke, and even death.

What is Endocarditis?

Endocarditis most commonly occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream and lodge in the heart. While the condition can affect anyone, those with pre-existing heart conditions, artificial heart valves, or a history of intravenous drug use are at higher risk. The symptoms of endocarditis can vary widely, making the condition difficult to diagnose. Common signs include fever, fatigue, heart murmurs, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms can resemble other illnesses.

Common Causes of a Failed Diagnosis

Several factors can contribute to a medical provider’s failure to diagnose endocarditis:

Misinterpretation of Symptoms

Endocarditis symptoms can overlap the flu or respiratory infections.

Failure to Order Necessary Tests

In some cases, healthcare providers may not order blood cultures or echocardiograms when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of endocarditis. This can be especially problematic if the patient has risk factors that should raise suspicion of the condition.

Inadequate Follow-Up

Even when initial tests are conducted, failure to follow up on abnormal results or to refer the patient to a specialist can result in a delayed diagnosis. This delay can allow the infection to progress, leading to more severe health consequences.

For patients, the failure to diagnose endocarditis can lead to devastating outcomes. The condition may progress to cause severe heart damage, necessitating surgery or leading to death. Even with successful treatment, patients may suffer long-term health effects and reduced quality of life.

How do You Prove Failure to Diagnose Endocarditis?

When a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose endocarditis results in harm to the patient, it may constitute medical malpractice. To succeed in a malpractice claim, you must prove the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed you a duty to provide care consistent with the accepted medical standards.
• Breach of Duty: The provider breached this duty by failing to diagnose endocarditis.
• Causation: The breach directly caused you harm. This could include the progression of the infection, heart damage, or other serious complications.
• Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the provider’s failure to diagnose. These damages can include physical pain, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life.

If you can prove your doctor deviated from the acceptable standard of care, you may be entitled to recover compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.

In addition to significant financial liability, the medical provider may face further repercussions , such as damage to their professional reputation, and possible disciplinary action by medical boards. Moreover, these claims often result in increased scrutiny of their practice, which can lead to further stress and professional challenges.

Contact A White Plains Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose endocarditis, time is of the essence in medical malpractice cases. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our White Plains medical malpractice lawyer.