Failure to Diagnose Atrial Fibrilation

Atrial fibrillation is a heart disorder affecting millions of people throughout the United States. Its prevalence increases with age, and it is more common in older adults. Despite these facts, doctors often miss the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation, and it goes undiagnosed and untreated. The failure to diagnose atrial fibrillation can cause serious and permanent health issues and, in many instances, constitutes malpractice. If you or a loved one incurred damages due to a doctor’s missed or delayed atrial fibrillation diagnosis, it is smart to speak to an attorney about what claims you may be able to pursue. At Arfaa Law Group, our capable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have ample experience advocating for victims of medical negligence, and if you hire us, we will fight to help you seek the results you deserve.

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that causes irregular and rapid heartbeats. The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and lightheadedness. Atrial fibrillation is asymptomatic in some cases, however.

Diagnosing atrial fibrillation typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram monitoring, and sometimes additional tests like echocardiography or Holter monitoring to detect intermittent episodes.

Without an accurate diagnosis, atrial fibrillation will go untreated, which can lead to significant complications. Specifically, a missed or delayed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke significantly, as blood clots can form in the atria and travel to the brain. Additionally, untreated atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular issues, worsening symptoms, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of heart failure and mortality. Therefore, a prompt diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is crucial for reducing the risk of complications.

The failure to diagnose atrial fibrillation is frequently the result of a doctor’s carelessness or oversights. As such, people harmed by such errors can often recover damages in medical malpractice lawsuits.

In most cases arising out of the failure to diagnose atrial fibrillation, the plaintiff will allege the defendant acted negligently. To prove a defendant doctor’s negligence, a plaintiff must first show that the defendant owed a duty to the plaintiff. This duty, which stems from the treatment relationship, is to provide care that a competent professional working in the same specialty would find reasonable in a similar situation.

Next, the plaintiff has to demonstrate that the defendant failed to uphold the standard in some manner. Finally, the plaintiff needs to establish that the defendant’s breach of the standard directly caused the plaintiff to suffer definable losses. In other words, that the plaintiff would not have suffered the harm in question absent the defendant’s omissions or acts.

In the majority of medical malpractice cases, expert testimony is necessary to explain the standard of care to the judge or jury and how the defendant breached the standard, subsequently harming the plaintiff. Expert testimony may also be needed to demonstrate the financial losses suffered by the plaintiff and to show the cost of any medical care that will be necessary in the future.

A plaintiff who proves malpractice may receive compensation for medical expenses incurred after the harm, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages if they were unable to work. In most cases, plaintiffs who establish liability also receive damages for the pain, suffering, and trauma endured.

Doctors have numerous options for treating atrial fibrillation and are often able to effectively manage the condition. If atrial fibrillation goes undiagnosed, however, it can cause serious health issues that can reduce the length and quality of life. If you were injured by the failure to diagnose atrial fibrillation, it is smart to meet with an attorney to evaluate your options. The capable Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group possess the skills and resources needed to present winning cases, and if you engage our services, we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we represent people harmed by medical malpractice throughout the city. You can contact us at 410-889-1850 or through our online form to arrange a meeting.