Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog
“Even though an appendicitis is a clinical emergency, it is commonly misdiagnosed,” said Syracuse pediatric malpractice lawyer Michael A. Bottar, Esq., of Bottar Law, PLLC. As many as 1 out of every 5 cases of appendicitis is not diagnosed before the appendix perforates (i.e., ruptures), which can lead to serious health problems including a periappendiceal abscess, peritonitis, an intestinal blockage, sepsis and death.
An appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, is caused by an obstruction of the appendiceal lumen. Signs and symptoms of an appendicitis, which typically strikes between the ages of 2 and 30, include (1) diffuse abdominal pain developing over 4-48 hours, (2) nausea, (3) vomiting, and (4) loss of appetite. When acute (i.e., inflamed), it is a “surgical” disease, meaning that it is treated by surgery as opposed to antibiotics. Surgery to remove the appendix is known as an appendectomy.
New York has one of the highest densities of pediatricians in the United States, with more than 150 pediatricians for every 100,000 children (second only to Massachusetts). This is a reassuring statistic because, according to a recent Reuters Health article titled Fewer Pediatricians, More Ruptured Appendixes, children who live in areas adequately staffed with pediatricians are more like to be timely diagnosed with an appendicitis and, in turn, are at 12% lower risk for rupture. According to the study underlying the Reuters article, a child’s proximity to a hospital, emergency room doctor and/or surgeon did not decrease risk. Statistically, access to pediatricians seems to make all of the difference in avoiding complications from an appendicitis.
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 an appendicitis. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an appendicitis or are suffering from complications of a ruptured appendix, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, 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.