Failure to Diagnose Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes a range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and movement. Without a proper diagnosis, people with Parkinson's disease are typically unable to control the progression of the disease or manage their symptoms effectively, leading to increased stress and anxiety for both the person and their family members. If you suffered damages due to a doctor's failure to diagnose Parkinson's disease, you might be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is advisable to talk to an attorney. The experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers of Arfaa Law Group dedicate their practice to helping victims of medical negligence seek justice, and if we represent you, we will develop an effective strategy to help you seek any damages you may be owed.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive illness that affects the movement and coordination of the body. Symptoms typically develop slowly over time and may include tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Other symptoms may include changes in speech, cognitive and behavioral changes, and problems with sleep and mood. The treatment options for Parkinson's disease vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the progression of the disease but often include medication and physical therapy, and in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery.

The failure to diagnose Parkinson's disease can have significant consequences, as early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes. Delayed diagnosis may result in missed opportunities for early intervention, which can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and a faster progression of the disease. Additionally, untreated Parkinson's disease can lead to a decline in physical and cognitive function, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of falls and other complications.

People harmed by the failure to diagnose Parkinson's disease will often seek compensation for their losses via medical malpractice claims. Usually, medical malpractice is the result of carelessness; as such, a plaintiff in a medical malpractice case will typically assert a negligence claim against the defendant.

In Maryland, in order to prove a defendant's negligence, a plaintiff must establish a duty, breach, causation, and damages. The duty owed is the defendant's obligation to provide the plaintiff with treatment that meets the standard of care, which is the care that a competent professional that works in the same specialty would provide in the same situation. Breach refers to the defendant's failure to uphold the standard of care. For example, if a doctor neglects to investigate the cause of a patient's tremor, it may constitute a breach of the standard of care. Causation is proof that the defendant's breach caused the plaintiff to suffer damages, while damages refers to measurable harm.

In most medical malpractice cases, testimony from a medical expert is necessary to show the standard of care imposed on the defendant to the judge or jury and how the defendant's behavior demonstrates a breach of the standard of care. Expert testimony is also usually needed to link the defendant's breach to the plaintiff's ultimate harm and to quantify the plaintiff's damages. A plaintiff that presents a compelling case may be awarded damages for the financial, physical, and emotional losses they suffered.

Parkinson's disease is a devastating illness, but many patients achieve reduced symptoms and increased quality of life with appropriate care. A timely diagnosis is essential to a good prognosis, though, and doctors who neglect to provide patients with prompt diagnoses should be held accountable. If you or your loved one were injured by a doctor's incompetence, you should meet with an attorney regarding your potential claims as soon as possible. The trusted Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers of Arfaa Law Group possess the skills and knowledge needed to obtain favorable outcomes in medical malpractice cases, and we are ready and able to advocate zealously on your behalf. Our office is in Baltimore, and we regularly represent people in medical malpractice cases throughout the city. You can reach us to arrange a confidential meeting via our form online or by calling us at (410) 889-1850.