ENT Malpractice

Otolaryngologists treat people suffering from chronic and acute issues affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Thus, they are commonly referred to as ENT doctors. Like all physicians, doctors treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat must provide competent care, and if they do not, it can lead to serious health concerns. In many instances, people hurt by careless ENT doctors can recover damages via ENT malpractice claims, and those harmed by incompetent care should seek legal counsel regarding their rights. The capable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of the Arfaa Law Group possess the resources and skills needed to prove doctors should be held liable for their negligent acts, and if you were hurt by an ENT doctor, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the best legal result available in your case.

ENT doctors treat a variety of ailments affecting the ears, nose, and throat, including sinusitis, cancer of the mouth, larynx, and thyroid, hearing loss, vertigo, sleep apnea, and tonsilitis. Depending on their patients’ symptoms, ENT physicians typically will employ a number of tests, including CT scans and MRIs, hearing tests, blood tests, and x-rays, to develop an accurate diagnosis. If an ENT doctor fails to take heed of a patient’s symptoms or does not order the appropriate test, though, the underlying condition may worsen, which can cause serious damage. In some instances, even if a doctor orders suitable tests, a patient may suffer harm due to a missed or improper diagnosis. In cases in which the patient is suffering from cancer or an infection close to the brain, a doctor’s delay in diagnosing a patient can be deadly. Additionally, many ENT doctors perform surgeries on their patients, and errors during procedures can cause permanent harm.

ENT doctors are obligated to provide their patients with competent care. If they breach their duties and cause their patients harm, they may be held liable for medical malpractice. A plaintiff holding a defendant doctor responsible for medical malpractice generally must prove the defendant acted negligently. In Maryland, a plaintiff alleging medical negligence has to demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to abide by the standard of care, which is the care that a competent and reasonable doctor practicing in the same specialty would provide when faced with a similar scenario.

The plaintiff then must prove that the defendant departed from the standard of care and that the deviation proximately caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In other words, the plaintiff must establish that the injuries suffered would not have occurred if the defendant complied with the standard of care and that the departure was a primary factor in bringing about the plaintiff’s losses. For example, if a defendant failed to order an MRI and, therefore, did not observe a cancerous tumor, it may constitute a breach of the standard of care. Generally, however, a plaintiff will have to hire an expert to explain the standard that applies and how the defendant’s actions constitute a breach of the standard and led to the plaintiff’s harm. A plaintiff that proves a defendant’s negligence may be awarded compensation for the economic damages caused by the defendant’s acts, such as the cost of medical treatment and lost wages. A plaintiff may be awarded compensation for noneconomic damages as well, like the pain, mental anguish, and suffering caused by the harm sustained.

Disorders of the ear, nose, and throat can cause significant health issues, and if they are not promptly and properly addressed, it can lead to serious and lasting harm. If you were hurt by the careless acts of an ENT doctor, you might be owed damages, and it is in your best interest to speak to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our attorneys are committed to helping people injured by negligent health care providers pursue justice, and we can craft persuasive arguments in favor of your recovery of compensation. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we regularly represent people harmed by medical negligence in lawsuits throughout the city. You can reach us via our form online or at (410) 889-1850 to schedule a conference.