Millions of people in Maryland suffer from allergies. Allergies can impact a person’s overall well-being and interfere with daily activities, and in some cases, can cause fatal reactions. As such, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical to implementing appropriate measures to manage allergies. Unfortunately, though, doctors may overlook allergy symptoms or attribute them to another condition and, ultimately, neglect to provide an accurate diagnosis. The failure to diagnose allergies can lead to serious complications and, in many instances, is considered medical malpractice. If you suffered losses due to a missed allergy diagnosis, you could be owed damages, and it is smart to confer with an attorney about your possible claims. The knowledgeable Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers of Arfaa Law Group dedicate their practice to holding reckless doctors accountable for the harm they cause innocent patients, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek the best outcome possible under the facts of your case.
Losses Caused by the Failure to Diagnose AllergiesAllergies are a hypersensitive response of the immune system to substances that are normally harmless. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger an allergic reaction when they come into contact with an allergic individual. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, insect stings, and medications.
Allergic reactions can vary in severity from mild to severe and can manifest in various ways. Mild allergic reactions may involve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose. More severe reactions can lead to difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, hives, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention, as it can cause a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death if not treated promptly.
Allergies are typically diagnosed via skin prick tests or blood tests. While the diagnostic process is relatively easy, the failure to diagnose allergies is common. People with undiagnosed allergies may continue to experience significant symptoms, which can affect their quality of life and overall well-being. Undiagnosed allergies can also lead to complications such as sinus infections, ear infections, and asthma exacerbations. In rare cases, a person with undiagnosed allergies may go into anaphylactic shock.
Elements of a Lawsuit Arising out of the Failure To Diagnose AllergiesPeople harmed by a doctor’s failure to diagnose allergies will often seek compensation for their harm via medical malpractice claims. A plaintiff in a medical malpractice case must typically establish negligence to recover damages.
To prove negligence under Maryland law, a plaintiff first needs to demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care. The duty, which typically arises via the doctor-patient relationship, is to provide care that comports with the applicable standard, which is defined as the treatment a reasonable practitioner who works in the same specialty would offer in the same situation. The plaintiff must then prove that the defendant breached that duty by deviating from the accepted standard of care. Finally, the plaintiff has to demonstrate that they suffered actual harm and establish a causal connection between the defendant’s breach of the duty owed and the injuries sustained.
As many aspects of medical malpractice claims are beyond the understanding of the average judge or juror, testimony from a qualified medical expert is a crucial component in medical malpractice cases. For example, a plaintiff may need to retain an expert to testify regarding the applicable standard of care, demonstrate the healthcare professional's deviation from that standard, and establish the causal link between the breach and the plaintiff's injuries.
If a plaintiff proves a defendant’s fault, they may be able to recover damages for their economic and noneconomic harm. Economic harm may include the cost of any medical care needed to treat their injuries, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses, while non-economic harm usually refers to physical and emotional pain, suffering, and trauma.
Meet With a Capable Baltimore AttorneyAllergies cause many people to suffer debilitating symptoms, and in some instances, they can cause fatal reactions. As such, it is important that they are diagnosed in a timely manner. If you sustained losses because of a doctor’s failure to diagnose allergies, you should consider meeting with an attorney to discuss your rights. The capable Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group possess the skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate fault in medical malpractice cases, and if you engage our services, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. We frequently help people pursue medical malpractice lawsuits in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can reach us via our online form by calling us at (410) 889-1850 or to set up a confidential meeting.