Premature Dialysis Could Lead to New York Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The kidneys are an essential part of the urinary system. They act as a natural blood filter and, as part of that process, divert waste products to the bladder where they are excreted through urine.

According to New York medical malpractice lawyer Anthony S. Bottar, Esq., a Bottar Law, PLLC attorney handling Syracuse kidney failure lawsuits, “medical advancements have enabled physicians to diagnose kidney disease and kidney failure sooner and sooner. In turn, kidney dialysis is bring initiated earlier than ever. This may not be a positive development.”

Guidelines released by the United States National Kidney Foundation provide that dialysis should not begin until a patient has been diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease. A study recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported that the timing of dialysis bears directly on mortality (i.e., death). Approximately 25,000 patients were included in the study. Researchers followed whether each received “early” or “late” dialysis, based upon testing of the glomerular filtration rates. About 30% of the patients started “early,” with a GFR greater than 10.5. The balance started “late.” Surprisingly, those who started “early” had an 18% increased risk of death.

“It is well-known that the failure to diagnose advanced kidney disease is medical malpractice, this study suggests that a nephrologist may also be liable for the wrongful death of a patient by starting dialysis too soon.”

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of New York misdiagnosis cases, including the delayed diagnosis of kidney disease If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, special education, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.