Arthritis is a common ailment known to cause debilitating pain to those who suffer from it. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, which vary in symptoms and consequences. If you suffer from arthritis, it is essential that your physician correctly diagnosis the type of arthritis you have to ensure you receive proper treatment.
Joseph Manna, a senior partner at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria, recently secured a $995,000 settlement for a patient whose arthritis was misdiagnosed, leading to a potentially lethal scenario. Read on to learn more about this case of misdiagnosed septic arthritis and how the medical malpractice attorneys at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria can help you if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Patient history of rheumatoid arthritis
The patient in this case had a long history of rheumatoid arthritis. He had been treated for years with steroids, which can suppress the immune system and make people more susceptible to infection. After developing what he thought was a simple “flare up” of his rheumatoid arthritis, the man went to a hospital with red, hot, and swollen joints. Doctors immediately suspected that he might have an infection in his joints, but they did not timely test the joints to confirm their suspicions and start the patient on antibiotics. Instead, they assumed he was probably having a flare up of his rheumatoid arthritis.
Misdiagnosis led to arm damage
Since the man’s condition did not improve, his family demanded that he be transferred to another hospital. At that hospital, he was quickly diagnosed with a potentially lethal infection known as septic arthritis. Unfortunately, the septic arthritis had remained untreated for so long that the patient’s wrist and forearm were damaged to the point that he could no longer use them. He required several corrective surgeries, including skin grafts and a steel rod implant in his arm.
According to Mr. Manna, “it was angering to see medical documentation in which doctors were talking about possible septic arthritis, but they never tested for it or treated it. We hired a world renowned expert to explain to the jury that, if the man was treated properly, his arm would be fine today.”
Mr. Manna went on to say, “I was as proud of the work we did on that case as I am sad for my client, who will suffer from his injuries for many years to come.”
Who to call
Joseph Manna has over 20 years of experience successfully fighting for his clients. He was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from America’s Top 100 Lawyers and he has been named to The Best Lawyers in America as well as Super Lawyers.
If you or a loved one have been affected by medical malpractice, contact the attorneys at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria. Mr. Manna and the firm’s medical malpractice attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to assess your case and get you the results you deserve. They will be able to compassionately guide you through every aspect of the complicated process. To speak with Mr. Manna, please call 716 704 2100.
This article does not purport to give legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only.
