If you or someone close to you was not diagnosed with COPD in a timely manner or was misdiagnosed with COPD, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys understand how daunting it is to deal with a medical injury, which is why we are committed to evaluating your case and helping you understand your legal rights and options.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It is an umbrella term to describe lung conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory asthma. COPD is a progressive incurable disease, but it can be managed with the correct diagnosis and treatment. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. Individuals with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a wide range of other conditions.
COPD was once considered an “old man’s disease,” but this is no longer the case. Many younger people, including women, are suffering from the condition compared to patients in the past. It has been estimated that 210 million people around the world suffer from COPD. Of those numbers, nearly 27 million are in the United States. Doctors may suspect COPD when their patients exhibit certain symptoms, such as mucus-producing coughs that will not go away, shortness of breath that worsens after physical activity, or tightness in the chest. To make a COPD diagnosis, a physician will evaluate the patient’s symptoms, medical history, family history, diagnostic test results, and factors such as whether or not the patient smokes.
A failure to diagnose COPD and similar conditions could result in worsening symptoms, more costly treatments, and an overall diminished quality of life. The expenses associated with such a medical error can be long-term and extremely burdensome for a patient. If this has happened to you or someone close to you, you may be able to file a medical malpractice case against the at-fault medical professional.
In New York, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional causes an injury by deviating from the standard of care that a similarly situated medical professional would have used in the same situation. In short, medical malpractice takes place when a medical professional violates the standard of care, which then results in an injury to a patient. The standard of care is generally defined as the appropriate level of care that a doctor or other health care provider should administer to a patient with a specific condition. As a result, the standard of care will vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s age and medical history.
If you believe that you have been misdiagnosed with COPD, you need to reach out to a skilled Syracuse misdiagnosis attorney who can help. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we can look into the facts of your case to determine whether malpractice took place. You can rest assured that we have the experience and resources needed to protect your rights at every step of the way. For more information, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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