Many Illinois residents look to their doctors for answers regarding unexplained symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may dismiss a patient’s complaints and make a quick diagnosis based on a cursory examination. A patient may challenge that diagnosis when he or she strongly believes there is something else causing the problem. Unfortunately, a young woman in another state was recently correct in her assumption that she had a more serious complication. The doctor’s failure to diagnose her condition led to tragic results.
The woman went to a doctor with symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, panic attacks and crying spells. The doctor diagnosed her with anxiety and did not schedule further testing. After several months, the patient and her mother insisted on more tests. At that time, the woman was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a condition caused by too much copper accumulating in the body’s organs.
Had the condition been properly diagnosed, treatment could have slowed the progression of the disease. However, the lawsuit contends that because of the delay in diagnosis, the one-time college student athlete now requires a feeding tube and suffers from brain damage. She sued the hospital involved in her treatment for malpractice.
In the recent trial, the jury determined that the hospital should pay the plaintiff almost $29 million. She was awarded money for past and future medical damages, past and future economic damages and past and future non-economic damages. The hospital contends that it provided appropriate care and has indicated it will consider its legal options.
When someone has suffered devastating loss due to a physician’s failure to diagnose an illness or condition, he or she may decide to file a lawsuit for damages. An Illinois personal injury attorney familiar with medical malpractice law can provide valuable guidance and support in the legal process. A dedicated legal team will work on the client’s behalf to achieve a favorable outcome and maximize compensation for any pain and suffering.
Source: ky3.com, “Jury awards Springfield woman $28 million in malpractice lawsuit“, March 9, 2017