Failure to Diagnose Bone Fractures: The Dangers of Misdiagnosis
The Salt Lake City legal team at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC is committed to helping the victims of negligent doctors and surgeons. Our medical malpractice lawyers fight diligently for victims and their loved ones, seeking compensation to cover losses and hardships that are the result of improper and irresponsible medical care.
A number of clients have brought up issues with bone fractures that have gone undiagnosed. We'd like to focus on why this is such a serious matter.
Missing a Fracture Can Lead to Serious Problems
We expect medical professionals to be able to identify potential health problems, especially given modern technology and diagnostic techniques. X-rays are more accurate now than in the past, for instance, allowing for more accurate imagery as well as better preventative care.
Yet delayed diagnoses and misdiagnoses still occur. This may be the fault of the doctor, the result of a poorly taken x-ray, or combination of negligence by the doctor and the x-ray technician.
This can be especially serious when it comes to dealing with fractured bones. A small fracture may turn into major damage to the bone and adjacent tissues near the bone over time, and doctors need to be able to notice such problems. Failure to do so is an act of severe negligence.
Stress Fractures Also Need to Be Diagnosed and Treated
Stress fractures are a particularly serious kind of bone fracture that need to be detected and treated as soon as possible. These kinds of fractures are caused by repeated stress on a bone for a long period of time.
A number of athletes suffer from stress fractures simply given the amount of weight and pressure they place on their own bodies performing the same kind of actions. People in industrial occupations or any jobs that involve strenuous physical activities may similarly develop stress fractures.
Severe Fractures Are Possible Because of Misdiagnosis
If a bone fracture goes undiagnosed and a person continues to put stress on the bone, this can lead to a major break and severe pain. In the most serious cases, a compound fracture is possible, requiring much more invasive medical attention to address than a stress fracture or less serious kind of fracture.
Issues Are More Serious If Vertebrae Are Involved
When a patient suffers from fractures of the vertebrae that go undiagnosed, matters can be much more severe. Spinal fractures can impair mobility and overall wellness, leading to severe pain as well as an inability to perform basic tasks. Left untreated, the fractures can be more severe as well as the negative health effects of the spinal fractures.
When medical professionals miss a spinal fracture and instead prescribe pain medication, they are delaying important medical treatment that can make a major difference for their patient in the immediate future as well as years down the road.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Victims and Their Loved Ones
Our attorneys will hold negligent doctors, x-ray technicians, and any medical professionals accountable for their irresponsible actions. We will seek compensation for any medical care required to address the problems related to a fractured bone that went undiagnosed. It is our goal to ensure that you receive just compensation so that your wellness is restored.
Speak with Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you would like to learn more about your legal options following a misdiagnosis or a failed diagnosis, we encourage you to contact our medical malpractice attorneys today. We at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC are here for you. We will provide strong counsel to ensure that you receive just compensation for any hardships that you endure.
