Late Diagnosis of Meningitis and Legal Liability for Injury

Late diagnosis of meningitis can be devastating and can even end in death. Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain lining. Bacterial spinal meningitis can occur in several ways. Acute bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enters the body and the bloodstream and travels to the brain or spinal cord. The bacteria also directly enter the membranes surrounding the central nervous system. Meningitis can result in both systemic and neurological complications and can even be deadly, depending on the age and condition of the patient, as well as the type of bacteria that invades the body and how long it is present.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bacterial and nonbacterial meningitis are quite similar, including a splitting headache, fever and chills, severe stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sweating. While there are some differences, all of the symptoms can initially be interpreted by many as the flu. 

Physician & Hospital Liability

Without rapid diagnosis and treatment, bacterial meningitis can be devastating and even deadly. This delayed diagnosis accounts for most malpractice lawsuits. While the symptoms of meningitis are flu-like, they are more rapid and severe. The first step is for the parent or caretaker to take the child or adult to hospital immediately and be honest about the symptoms and the severity. The liability of the regular physician or the emergency room doctor arises from the dismissal of the symptoms as the flu or a viral infection. Additionally, children rarely get headaches and if they do appear in the emergency room or at the doctor’s office with one, spinal meningitis should be considered; qualified personnel must be in on the patient’s evaluation, and tests for meningitis should immediately be done. Meningitis can cause death and serious injury within hours so a reasonable doctor should act quickly to avoid liability.

Another source of liability is when the meningitis begins in the hospital on a surgical site and, even though fever and headaches continue, little or no positive action is taken by the hospital or the attending physicians. Since serious injury or death are likely the results of undiagnosed meningitis, many successful lawsuits involved wrongful death or large settlements for disabling results such as loss of limbs, or the failure of vital internal organs.

Legal Assistance

Misdiagnosed and delayed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis has also been responsible for several additional cases being diagnosed within a given geographical area. If you feel you have suffered from late diagnosis, or if a family member has died or suffered dire consequences, contact a medical malpractice attorney for assistance.