Delays in diagnosis or treatment can cause a treatable condition to worsen to the point that a patient can suffer catastrophic injury or death.  Examples of delays seen in the context of malpractice cases include:

 

• Failure to consider and rule in or rule out potentially catastrophic conditions that are consistent with the patient's signs and symptoms 

 

• Failure to order appropriate tests and studies to rule in or rule out potentially catastrophic conditions

 

• Failure to review and advise patient of worrisome test results

 

• Failure to interpret imaging studies correctly

 

• Failure to determine causes of post-surgical issues, including fever, increased heart rate, falling blood pressure, and low urine output

 

• Failure of nursing staff to notify physician of decline in patient's condition, includiing changes in vital signs, urine output, and mental status

 

• Failure of nursing or other hospital staff to comply with physician orders

 

• Failure of hospital to assure adequate staffing to cover patient care need

 

If you or a family member have suffered a catastrophic injury or loss due to medical malpractice, contact Bill Maddix, your Minnesota medical malpractice lawyer, for a free consultation.