New York Appendicitis Malpractice Attorneys

Suing for Appendicitis Misdiagnosis or Substandard Treatment

Appendicitis is a serious condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed. Without immediate medical attention, including surgical removal of the appendix, appendicitis can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, doctors do not always accurately diagnose and treat appendicitis.

In fact, some studies show that as many as 30% of patients with appendicitis do not receive an appendicitis diagnosis and are subsequently discharged without treatment. If you or your loved one did not receive a proper appendicitis diagnosis and/or treatment, resulting in injuries or the death of your loved one, you could be entitled to sue the negligent medical professional or facility and seek compensation for your losses.

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we have a proven record of success in 98% of the cases we have handled, including complex medical malpractice claims. Our New York appendicitis malpractice attorneys are here to answer your questions and guide you through the legal process.

On This Page

• Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis
• How Is Appendicitis Misdiagnosed?
• What to Do If You or a Loved One Is the Victim of Appendicitis Malpractice

Give us a call at (800) 817-5029 or submit a free online case evaluation form to schedule an appointment with our New York appendicitis malpractice lawyers.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a medical condition where the appendix, a small, tube-like pouch attached to the large intestine, becomes inflamed and swollen. If not treated promptly, it can lead to the rupture of the appendix, causing a potentially life-threatening situation due to the release of infectious materials into the abdominal cavity.

Common causes of appendicitis include:

• Blockage: The appendix can become blocked by feces, foreign bodies, or thick mucus, leading to inflammation. Blockage prevents normal drainage and allows bacteria to multiply inside the appendix.
• Infection: Infections, either viral or bacterial, can also lead to inflammation of the appendix. This can be a result of a gastrointestinal infection or other sources of infection in the body.
• Enlarged Tissues in the Lymphatic System: Enlargement of lymphatic tissues in the wall of the appendix, such as in conditions like lymphoid hyperplasia, can contribute to appendicitis.
• Trauma: In some cases, trauma or injury to the abdomen can cause appendicitis.

Appendicitis typically presents several key symptoms, although atypical presentation is not uncommon. If you or a loved one exhibits any signs of appendicitis, seek medical help right away.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Sudden, unexplained pain in the lower right abdomen
• Pain that moves from the navel to the lower right abdomen
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• Pain that worsens with movement, including walking or coughing
• Bloating of the abdominal area
• Constipation or diarrhea and flatulence
• Decreased or lost appetite
• Fever

Women who are pregnant may experience pain in the upper abdomen due to shifts in the location of the appendix during pregnancy.

How Is Appendicitis Misdiagnosed?

Without immediate surgery, appendicitis may progress to perforation of the appendix. In other words, the risk of perforation increases as time elapses from the onset of disease to treatment.

An appendectomy delayed for more than 12 hours is associated with a significant increase in the rate of perforations, and resultant abscesses and peritonitis, thus appendectomy should be performed urgently, irrespective of the time of day. Medical professionals are trained to recognize the signs of appendicitis and administer tests in order to achieve a fast and proper diagnosis.

However, although appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies seen in U.S. emergency rooms, the rate of appendicitis misdiagnosis remains alarmingly high. Some studies have reported that appendicitis is not diagnosed in adult patients who have the condition at a rate of 5.9% to 23.5%. How does this happen?

In fact, there are many factors that commonly lead to misdiagnosis of appendicitis in emergency rooms in the U.S. Some of these include:

• Symptoms of appendicitis are relatively common and can point to a number of conditions/illnesses. Sometimes, doctors may mistakenly diagnose a patient with a less-severe condition, such as constipation.
• Medical professionals may fail to conduct proper testing. Studies have shown that patients who only received abdominal x-rays had a higher risk of not having their appendicitis properly diagnosed by the treating physician.
• The existence of pre-existing conditions can cause doctors to misdiagnose appendicitis, mistaking symptoms of appendicitis as symptoms of the pre-existing condition. In fact, patients with certain pre-existing conditions may be at a higher risk of misdiagnosis.
• Medical professionals often fail to provider proper follow-up care. A patient may be discharged without an appendicitis diagnosis but that does not mean symptoms will cease. A doctor’s lack of follow-up care can have devastating effects.

Although many people think of appendicitis as a relatively routine condition, mistakenly believing it to be easy to diagnose and treat, this is simply not the case.

While medical providers, particularly those who work in emergency departments, are not expected to be perfect in diagnosing and treating serious conditions like appendicitis, there is also no excuse for substandard care. Failing to take a patient’s symptoms seriously or failing to order proper diagnostic tests is negligence.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Is the Victim of Appendicitis Malpractice

If you believe that you or your loved one did not receive proper care and that this subsequently led to serious injuries, complications, or even the death of your loved one, it’s important that you understand your rights. You could have grounds for an appendicitis malpractice claim.

Here are some steps you could consider taking:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you're experiencing complications or symptoms that you suspect are related to previous medical malpractice, seek medical attention right away. Your health and well-being are the top priority.
2. Document Your Symptoms and Medical History: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments received, and any conversations or interactions with healthcare providers. Collect copies of your medical records, including test results, prescriptions, and any relevant documentation.
3. Consult with a Medical Malpractice Attorney: Reach out to a lawyer experienced in medical malpractice cases. They can evaluate the details of your situation and advise you on the legal aspects, including whether you have a case and what steps to take next.
4. File a Complaint: Depending on your jurisdiction, there might be specific boards or agencies responsible for overseeing medical professionals. You can file a complaint with these organizations, detailing the malpractice you believe occurred.
5. Gather Evidence: Any evidence supporting your case is valuable. This might include witness statements, expert opinions from other medical professionals, and documentation of the impact the malpractice has had on your health and life.
6. Understand Your Rights: Be aware of the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in your area. There are time limits within which you can file a lawsuit, so understanding these limitations is crucial.
7. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some cases might be resolved through negotiation or mediation without going to trial. Your attorney can advise you on the best approach based on your circumstances.
8. Prepare for Legal Action: If negotiations fail or if it's deemed necessary, prepare for a legal battle. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, representing your interests in court.

After first ensuring that you (or your loved one) receive competent medical attention, turn to the New York appendicitis misdiagnosis lawyers at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC. Our partners have more than 100 years of combined experience in complex, highly nuanced medical malpractice claims.

Put 40+ Years of Experience on Your Side With Simonson Goodman Platzer PC

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals affected by medical malpractice, including appendicitis cases. Our goal is to seek justice and fair compensation for our clients while holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Hiring our New York appendicitis malpractice lawyers can offer the following key benefits if you believe you've been a victim of medical malpractice:

• Expertise and Experience: We bring a wealth of expertise and experience in handling medical malpractice cases, including those related to appendicitis. Our team understands the complexities of medical law and has a track record of success in representing clients in similar cases.
• Legal Knowledge and Resources: We have a deep understanding of the legal aspects of medical malpractice. Our firm possesses the resources, connections with medical experts, and access to investigative tools necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Case Evaluation and Strategy: Our team will thoroughly evaluate your case, analyzing medical records, consulting with experts, and understanding the nuances of your situation. We'll develop a strategic plan tailored to your specific circumstances, aiming for the best possible outcome.
• Advocacy and Representation: We will serve as your advocate throughout the legal process. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, we'll ensure your rights are protected and fight for the compensation you deserve for the harm caused by the malpractice.
• Maximizing Compensation: We'll work diligently to seek fair and maximum compensation for your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the malpractice.
• Navigating Legal Procedures: Legal proceedings can be complex and overwhelming. We will guide you through every step, explaining the process, deadlines, and requirements while handling the legal paperwork and procedures on your behalf.
• Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice can be emotionally challenging. Having us by your side provides reassurance that your case is being handled by skilled professionals, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

We know what it takes to investigate these types of claims and how to build a strong case on your behalf. Our team often works with medical experts in order to obtain testimony regarding the standard of care and whether or not this standard was breached. We are always available to take your call and answer any questions you may have.

Have you suffered due to misdiagnosis of appendicitis? Contact our award-winning team today at (800) 817-5029 to request a free initial consultation.