Failure To Diagnose and Treat Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that can cause debilitating symptoms and, in some instances, can lead to permanent deficits. The issues caused by Sjögren's syndrome can generally be managed with medication and other treatments. If a patient does not receive an accurate or prompt diagnosis, though, their health may worsen. If you suffered harm due to a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat Sjögren's syndrome, you might be able to seek compensation in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group dedicate their practice to helping people hurt by incompetent healthcare providers seek redress for their losses, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome.

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and dysfunction of the exocrine glands, particularly the salivary and lacrimal glands. Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome typically include dryness of the eyes and mouth, resulting in dry eyes, a gritty sensation, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. Many people with Sjögren's syndrome suffer from joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes as well.

If a patient presents with symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, a doctor should conduct a clinical evaluation, blood tests to detect specific antibodies, and specialized tests to measure saliva and tear production. Treatment of Sjögren's syndrome primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. This may involve the use of artificial tears, saliva substitutes, and medications to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed. The failure to diagnose and treat Sjögren's syndrome can result in a patient suffering from increased tooth decay and oral infection. In some instances, it can cause organ and tissue damage as well.

A person harmed by a doctor's failure to diagnose and treat Sjögren's syndrome may be eligible to seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. In Maryland, a plaintiff generally must establish the defendant’s negligence to prove liability for medical malpractice.

Proving negligence in the realm of medical care requires demonstrating four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The duty the defendant owes the plaintiff is to provide care that meets the applicable standard, which refers to treatment that a reasonable professional in the same practice area would provide in a similar situation. In order to establish a breach, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant's actions deviated from the relevant standard of care. For example, if the standard requires ordering certain blood tests for a patient with dry mouth and eyes and the defendant failed to do so, it may constitute a breach. Finally, to prove causation and damages, the plaintiff needs to demonstrate that the defendant's breach directly caused the plaintiff to suffer losses. In other words, the defendant's actions or omissions must have directly contributed to the plaintiff's injuries, and the plaintiff would not have been harmed if not for the defendant's conduct.

A plaintiff that prevails in a medical malpractice case may be awarded damages for their economic losses, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, they may be granted compensation for their non-economic harm, such as mental anguish, trauma, and suffering resulting from the defendant's negligence. It is important to note that anyone who wants to pursue claims for harm caused by a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat Sjögren's syndrome must act promptly, as there are statutes of limitations that dictate the time limit for filing such cases.

Sjögren's syndrome is generally easily managed with proper care, but patients cannot receive the treatment they need if they are not given an accurate and timely diagnosis. If you suffered harm due to a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat Sjögren's syndrome, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss your potential claims. The trusted Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group can assess the facts of your case and help you to seek the maximum compensation available under the law. We frequently represent parties in medical malpractice cases in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can contact us at (410) 889-1850 or via our form online to schedule a meeting.