In New Mexico, as in other states, licensed physicians, other health care workers and medical facilities are held to certain standards of practice by the medical profession. Unfortunately, some medical practitioners fail to uphold those standards, leaving patients facing the consequences of medical negligence. Medical treatment can only be successful upon proper diagnosis, and if a potential problem is not identified promptly, the patient’s condition can deteriorate rapidly.
Three doctors and a hospital in another state have been accused of misdiagnosis that led to an amputation. According to the recently filed lawsuit, a woman who stepped on a needle in Jan. 2014 consulted with the defendant doctors. The plaintiff claims to have been diagnosed with cellulitis and prescribed medication for that condition. She contends her condition deteriorated rapidly and resulted in her being hospitalized three days after the initial diagnosis.
The complaint states that the plaintiff was in the hospital for 17 days during which time she developed gangrene in the foot that was diagnosed with cellulitis. Following this development, a portion of her foot was amputated. The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to order an MRI that might have prevented the misdiagnosis. Further allegations state the defendants failed to monitor the plaintiff’s condition. The plaintiff is seeking over $50,000 to cover current and future medical expenses, lost wages and disfigurement.
When medical negligence is suspected, the victim may find that a consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney may be helpful. A lawyer can determine whether there is a viable claim by investigating the circumstances of the allegations to determine if misdiagnosis and/or other medical errors caused harm to the plaintiff. An attorney can assist with filing a medical malpractice claim in a New Mexico civil court, and provide guidance and support throughout the legal proceedings.