Failure To Diagnose Fibroids

Pelvic pain and painful periods affect numerous women in Maryland, and in some instances, their symptoms are caused by fibroids. There are multiple treatment options for fibroids, but an early and accurate diagnosis plays a vital role in a patient's overall prognosis. As such, a delayed or missed diagnosis of fibroids can lead to worsening symptoms and may be grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims. If you have suffered injuries due to a doctor's negligent failure to diagnose fibroids, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer to discuss your potential claims. The experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Arfaa Law Group in Baltimore are proficient at demonstrating that negligent doctors should be found responsible for the harm they cause, and if we represent you, we will diligently seek any damages that you may be owed.

A fibroid, also known as a uterine leiomyoma, is a common non-cancerous growth that develops in the muscular wall of the uterus. Fibroids can vary in size, ranging from barely visible masses to large growths that alter the shape and size of the uterus. The exact cause of fibroids is uncertain. They are believed to be influenced by hormones, namely progesterone and estrogen, however. Fibroids usually develop during a woman's reproductive years and tend to shrink or disappear after menopause when hormone levels decrease.

The symptoms caused by fibroids vary depending on their size and location. Common symptoms include pelvic pain or pressure, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, frequent urination, backache, pain during sexual intercourse, and an enlarged abdomen. Fibroids can also contribute to infertility and may lead to complications during pregnancy. While fibroids are generally non-cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer, they can cause significant discomfort and impair quality of life. As such, the failure to diagnose fibroids can have a negative impact on a woman’s health.

A woman harmed by a doctor’s failure to diagnose fibroids has the right to seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Since the failure to diagnose an illness is typically unintentional, the plaintiff will usually assert a negligence claim against the defendant. In Maryland, for a plaintiff to prove medical negligence, they must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care.

The duty owed by a doctor to a patient is to provide care that aligns with the applicable standard of care, which is the treatment that a reasonable physician working in the same practice area would offer when faced with a similar situation. The plaintiff must then establish that the defendant breached this standard of care. Generally, in a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff needs to hire a medical expert who can testify about the standard of care and how the defendant failed to fulfill their obligations under that standard.

Proving that the defendant breached the standard of care alone is insufficient to hold them liable, though. Instead, the plaintiff must also demonstrate that the breach directly caused them to suffer actual harm. In other words, they need to prove that they experienced measurable losses and that the defendant's actions played a significant role in causing those losses. Expert testimony is typically necessary to establish causation as well.

Fibroids can cause debilitating symptoms and, if left untreated, can diminish a woman’s overall health and fertility. As such, it is essential that fibroids are diagnosed promptly, and the failure to do so may be deemed medical malpractice. If you sustained losses due to your doctor’s failure to diagnose fibroids, it is wise to speak to a lawyer about what claims you may be able to pursue. The capable Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group take pride in helping victims of medical negligence seek justice for their harm, and if you engage our services, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. We frequently represent people injured by medical malpractice in lawsuits in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can reach us via our online form by calling us at (410) 889-1850 or to set up a confidential meeting.