Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
If you have been misdiagnosed or mistreated for epilepsy or seizure disorder, we can assist. The Syracuse medical negligence trial attorneys at our firm can help hold negligent physicians accountable for the harm that they cause. You can rely on the fact that we are committed to acting in your best interests, providing you with reliable legal advice and supporting you each step of the way. Above all, we will aim to secure the payment you need to deal with the injuries you suffered.
What is Epilepsy?
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. The brain communicates with the spinal cord, nerves and muscles via electrical impulses. When electrical activity in the brain is abnormal, a person can have a seizure. Epilepsy is the term use to denote “seizure disorder.” In other words, epilepsy refers to the condition of having recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder affecting 3.4 million people in the United States. The disorder affects 65 million people worldwide and impacts people of all ages. While in many cases, epilepsy is hereditary, in some cases the disorder is the result of brain injuries such as those caused by trauma and oxygen deprivation to the brain.
Epilepsy Related Malpractice
Medical malpractice lawsuits arising in connection with epilepsy and seizure disorders may involve claims that a doctor or medical professional was negligent in diagnosing or treating the condition. For example, a primary care physician may have failed to recognize the symptoms of epilepsy; the primary care physician may have mistaken the symptoms of epilepsy for some other condition; and/or the primary care physician may have failed to refer the patient to a specialist. In other cases, obstetrical errors could form the basis of a malpractice claim. For example, if an OBGYN causes brain damage to a newborn by using forceps with too much force and that brain damage causes epilepsy in the child, the OBGYN may be liable for malpractice.
Establishing Malpractice Under New York Law
In New York, medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider breaches or violates the standard of care, resulting in injury to a patient. The standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably competent medical provider in the same specialty would use in the same or similar circumstances. In addition to showing that the medical provider breached the duty of care, it is imperative to show that the breach was a direct cause of the patient’s injury. To prove this, you will most likely need to rely on the testimony of an expert witness.
Reliable Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Medical injuries can lead to long-term injuries that can be extremely costly to treat. If you or someone close to you has suffered due to an epilepsy related medical error, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our hard-working Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers understand how to navigate even the most complex malpractice claims. With years of experience, we will vigorously advocate for your rights throughout the entire legal process. Call us today for more information at 833-200-2000 or contact us via our website.
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