We trust medical professionals to use the appropriate care when it comes to diagnosing and treating our medical conditions. If your child has sustained injuries or has died because of a doctor’s failure to diagnose Hirschsprung, we can help. At Arfaa Law Group, our skilled Baltimore misdiagnosis lawyers can thoroughly examine the facts of your case and help you figure out your next steps. We know how stressful dealing with a child’s injury can be for parents, and we will handle your case with the utmost compassion and kindness.
What is Hirschsprung’s Disease?Hirschsprung’s disease is an illness that affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool. The condition is present at birth and is caused by missing nerves from a part of an individual’s bowel. A newborn with this condition is typically not able to have a bowel movement in the first couple of days after birth. Approximately 25 percent of blockages in the intestines of newborn babies are due to Hirschsprung’s disease. In mild cases, the ailment may not be apparent until later in childhood.
While the condition is rare, it is easy to detect the symptoms. Medical professionals should be vigilant and conduct a thorough check up if the baby shows symptoms of a swollen belly, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and vomiting, especially if it is a green or brown substance. With a proper diagnosis, Hirschsprung’s disease can typically be treated with surgery that works to relieve pressure in the bowel. If a diagnosis is missed or delayed, however, the child may suffer serious harm.
Liability for Failure to Diagnose HirschsprungEvery doctor has an obligation to properly diagnose and treat patients. After all, these medical professionals are supposed to improve our health, instead of making it worse. A doctor may be liable for medical malpractice if his or her failure to diagnose Hirschsprung results in an injury or death. Medical malpractice takes place when a medical professional fails to provide a patient with the standard of care that other competent, reasonable medical professionals would have provided in the same situation, thereby leading to patient harm. As a practical matter, this can mean that the medical professional did something wrong or failed to do something that he or she was supposed to do. The standard of care varies depending on the situation and is based on a wide range of factors, including the patient’s illness, medical history, age, allergies, and more. In order to win a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff’s attorney must establish the following elements:
Following a failure to diagnose Hirschsprung in a timely manner, a child may require more than one corrective surgery, which may lead to a longer stay in the hospital, more pain, and higher medical bills. As the child or the child’s parents, you should not need to bear the burdens associated with a doctor’s negligence alone. Fortunately, Maryland law allows victims of medical malpractice to recover damages for their harm. Examples of these damages include medical expenses, future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, disability, and compensation for any other costs associated with the malpractice.
Contact a Skilled Baltimore Attorney for Your Negligence ClaimIf your child has suffered harm due to a medical professional’s failure to diagnose Hirschsprung’s disease, they may be entitled to compensation for their harm. At Arfaa Law Group, our experienced Baltimore attorneys are devoted to advocating for our Maryland clients throughout the entire legal process. Medical malpractice claims are complex in every state, and Maryland is no exception, which is why having a skilled attorney on your side can make a difference in your case. For more information about your legal options, feel free to call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.