Failure to diagnose may have led to patient's loss of use of hand

An Illinois man has brought a lawsuit against a hospital for his losing part use of his hand. The patient was admitted with cuts to his left middle and index fingers that came about due to a fall, and he was complaining of numbness and pain.

The patient was apparently treated and released. However, it seems that there was a failure to diagnose a torn nerve and artery in the forearm, and this was only partially remedied at a later point in time when surgery was conducted. But because of the delay in diagnosis, the patient claims that he has lost permanent feeling in both the middle and index fingers of his left hand.

It will be up to the courts to determine whether a failure to diagnose actually took place. Unfortunately, what occurs in many cases where misdiagnosis occurs is that the original malady cannot be fully treated because of the delay that took place. What might have resulted in minor injuries had the injury been treated immediately may result in a long lasting or permanent condition.

Injuries like that suffered by the patient are not inconsequential. Especially if the individual works with his hands, permanent injury to the fingers may result in a complete loss of livelihood for a person. The person may not be able to find employment that is equivalent, or he may have to settle for a lower paying job.

Medical malpractice attorneys understand the consequences of a misdiagnosis. These attorneys will do their best to help the injured person be compensated for financial and wage losses, and for the pain and suffering that they will have to endure.

Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “Suit claims hospital, doctors failed to diagnose nerve and artery damage,” by Andrea Dearden, Nov. 26, 2012