Appendix Ruptured After Misdiagnosed Appendicitis

In the case of an appendix ruptured where the medical provider did not properly diagnose appendicitis, medical practice may be involved. Because appendicitis can be fatal, it is important for medical professionals to take special care with patients who experience symptoms. Still, sometimes doctors and other medical professionals fail to properly diagnose patients due to inattention and other issues.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is characterized by progressing inflammation of a part of the large intestine called the appendix. When the appendix becomes inflamed, it can quickly become a life threatening illness. Acute appendicitis is different from chronic appendicitis and should be treated differently. Acute appendicitis may occur when a piece of food, excrement or an object is stuck in the appendix. Acute appendicitis may occur after a gastrointestinal infection.

Symptoms of appendicitis a medical professional should be on the look out for include:

• The most notable symptom of acute appendicitis is abdominal pain in the lower right abdomen. The pain gets progressively sharp and more intense as the appendicitis progresses.
• Tenderness in the lower right area of the abdomen when it is touched or pressed is also common in appendicitis patients.
• Pain may also occur in other abdominal areas depending on which stage of the disease the patient is experiencing.
• Other symptoms include any digestive tract issues such as diarrhea, nausea, bloating, constipation and appetite loss. Appendicitis can also cause fever due to the body attempting to fight the infection which can also cause symptoms such as chills.

Misdiagnosis Malpractice

When a medical professional such as a doctor misdiagnosis an appendicitis patient, it can be life threatening. Thus, misdiagnosis may lead to a medical malpractice case. It is important to assess your rights as early as possible due to the limitations on time for filing civil suits (which may vary depending on jurisdiction). Getting an assessment of your case by an experienced medical malpractice attorney is the first step to recovering for your damages.

Getting Legal Help

An experienced medical malpractice attorney can assist you with assessing your misdiagnosis case. You can meet with an attorney in a private and confidential setting to discuss your concerns and the propriety of bringing a lawsuit to compensate you for damages caused by your misdiagnosis. You may have the right to compensation for injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages you incurred as a result of your misdiagnosis.