Stevens Johnson Syndrome

If you or a loved one has suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) due to a medical professional’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation through a medical malpractice claim. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys have extensive experience representing patients in lawsuits involving many complex conditions and syndromes. Having the right attorney on your side can make a significant difference in your case, and we have obtained many substantial settlements and verdicts for patients throughout Maryland. We can investigate your Stevens Johnson Syndrome to determine whether medical malpractice played a role in a delayed or inaccurate diagnosis or treatment.

SJS is an acute inflammatory skin reaction that most often takes place as a result of an adverse reaction to medication, such as antibiotic drugs or pain relievers. It generally starts with a fever, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms. Patients tend to develop a rash that can lead to painful blistering, peeling, and open sores. In fact, the condition can be highly debilitating as patients feel severe burning of the skin. If it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, Stevens Johnson Syndrome can take a more severe form, known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. This condition typically requires hospitalization due to the severity of the reaction and the potential for long-term complications and even death.

Unfortunately, in many instances, SJS is a result of medical malpractice. Medications are sometimes mistakenly prescribed to patients who have had a prior drug reaction to the medication or to a related medication. In some cases, the symptoms of SJS are not identified in a timely manner, leading to a delay in treatment and resulting in harm to the patient. The quicker that SJS is detected, the better chance that a patient will have of healing.

In Maryland, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to use the standard of care that a medical professional in the same specialty would have used in the same situation. In other words, medical malpractice claims are claims in which a patient asserts that he or she was injured under the care of a medical professional due to the fact that the medical professional failed to exercise the appropriate medical care based on the standard of care that is appropriate in that medical professional’s specialty.

If medical malpractice is established, the plaintiff may be able to recover a variety of damages. Damages refer to compensation awarded to people who have been wrongfully injured by someone else’s negligence. This is intended to help cover expenses for losses suffered due to the malpractice. Some examples of damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, lost wages, and mental anguish. If you have lost someone to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses, burial expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

Under Maryland law, malpractice claims must be filed within a certain time frame, known as the statute of limitations. A victim of medical malpractice has either five years from the date that the malpractice incident occurred or three years from the date that the injury was originally discovered, whichever is earlier. Failing to file within the appropriate statute of limitations could mean losing your right to compensation altogether. Thus, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who will be vigilant about timelines in your case.

SJS can be an extremely serious, even deadly condition. If you believe that you or someone close to you developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome due to a medical professional’s negligence, you should immediately contact an injury attorney who can help. At Arfaa Law Group, we have the experience and skill to evaluate your case thoroughly. We represent people in the Baltimore area and throughout the State of Maryland. To speak to a member of our team, contact our office today by calling us at 410-889-1850 or contacting us online.