Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
If you or a family member suffered from an osteomyelitis related injury because of a healthcare provider’s carelessness, you could be eligible for damages. These cases can be incredibly complex, which is why it is imperative to reach out to a hard-working Syracuse medical malpractice attorney who can help.
What is Osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the bone or bone marrow. Patients with osteomyelitis generally experience serious pain and muscle spasms in the inflammation area, as well as fever. If detected early, the condition can be treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery. If not treated properly, however, the infection could spread to other parts of the body and can lead to bone death. If bone death takes place, amputation may be the only way to prevent the infection from spreading. The condition can even be fatal if not treated in a timely and effective manner.
Medical Malpractice in New York
When it comes to osteomyelitis, some patients are considered high risk, such as those with a recent history of trauma, infection or orthopedic surgery. This can be determined simply by taking a thorough history. In addition, the patient will present certain symptoms that healthcare providers are trained to recognize. Thus, it is important for a healthcare provider to play close attention to a patient’s symptoms.
Osteomyelitis may be the result of medical malpractice by a physician, orthopedic surgeon or attending physician, which may occur in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
- The medical professional not diagnosing the condition in time;
- The medical professional misdiagnosing the condition; and/or
- The medical professional incorrectly treating the condition.
In New York, medical malpractice takes place when a healthcare provider causes injury or death by failing to use the level of care and caution that a reasonably competent healthcare provider would have used under the same or similar circumstances. In order to win a medical malpractice claim, you need to show that the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care; violated the duty of care; and that violation was a direct cause of your injury.
Statute of Limitations in New York Medical Malpractice Cases
In New York, like every other state, a statute of limitations places a time limit on seeking legal recourse for medical malpractice claims. Injured patients have two and a half years to file a medical malpractice claim in civil court. Should this timeframe pass, the injured patient will be permanently barred from filing a lawsuit.
Skilled Syracuse Medical Malpractice Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury due to the negligent diagnosis or treatment of osteomyelitis, we can help. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our highly skilled and experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys will examine your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim. We know how difficult these cases can be for both the victim of medical malpractice and their family, which is why we will handle your case with the utmost compassion. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us today at 833-200-2000 or you can reach us online.
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