Failure to Diagnose Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement or bulging of the section of the aorta that passes through the abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms often develop slowly over time, but if they rupture, it can lead to severe internal bleeding that requires immediate care. As such, the consequences of a failure to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be grave. While some people with abdominal aortic aneurysms do not have any symptoms, in other instances, doctors merely overlook signs that warrant further investigation, resulting in a delayed or missed diagnosis. If you were harmed by a physician’s failure to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it is imperative to consult an attorney about your options. At Arfaa Law Group, our dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have the experience and knowledge needed to prove that negligent treatment providers should be found responsible for the losses they cause, and if you hire us, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm often begins with a physical examination, during which a doctor may feel a pulsating mass in the abdomen. Imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds are necessary for confirmation and to determine the size and extent of the aneurysm.

If left untreated, the aneurysm may continue to enlarge, increasing the risk of rupture. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency associated with high mortality rates due to massive internal bleeding. Signs of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm include sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, dizziness, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure.

Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent catastrophic outcomes in people with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Therefore, failure to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a timely manner can result in delayed treatment, increased risk of rupture, and potentially fatal consequences for the patient.

When a doctor fails to take the steps necessary to diagnose a serious condition, it is usually due to a lack of care. Consequently, in most medical malpractice lawsuits arising out of such failures, the plaintiff’s complaint will set forth a negligence claim against the defendant.

According to Maryland law, a plaintiff attempting to prove a defendant’s liability under a theory of negligence has to show that the defendant owed them a duty, the defendant subsequently breached the duty they owed to the plaintiff, the plaintiff suffered actual harm, and their harm was the direct result of the defendant’s breach.

The duty a doctor owes a patient is to render treatment that meets the applicable standard of care, which is the care a competent physician would provide when faced with a similar scenario. Any omission or action that deviates from the standard of care would likely be considered a breach. In the majority of medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff needs to engage a medical expert to offer testimony explaining the standard of care and how the defendant neglected to abide by the standard. Expert testimony is also usually needed to connect the plaintiff’s harm to the defendant’s breach and to quantify the plaintiff’s losses. The defendant will likely present expert testimony as well, and who ultimately prevails usually depends on which party’s expert the factfinder finds more persuasive.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are critical conditions that require immediate attention. As such, the failure to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm can have catastrophic and permanent consequences. If you or someone you love suffered losses due to a missed or delayed diagnosis, you may be able to institute claims against the doctor responsible for your harm, and you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The skillful Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are committed to helping people hurt by incompetent doctors in the pursuit of damages, and if we represent you, we will diligently pursue any compensation available. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we routinely represent injured parties in medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the city. You can reach us at 410-889-1850 or via our online form to set up a meeting.