When you go to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain, you expect answers—fast. You expect the doctors and nurses to take your symptoms seriously, run the proper tests, and treat you before things get worse. When appendicitis is misdiagnosed or ignored, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a delayed or missed diagnosis, a Miami appendicitis misdiagnosis lawyer may be able to help.
At Kaire & Heffernan, our failure to diagnose attorneys understand that what happened to you was not just a medical mistake—it was a breach of trust. We have spent years holding negligent health care providers accountable throughout South Florida. If your condition worsened because a medical professional failed to diagnose appendicitis, you deserve answers and compensation.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that usually requires surgery. When caught early, an appendectomy can often prevent further complications. However, when a provider fails to recognize the signs, the inflamed appendix can rupture, causing a life-threatening infection or sepsis. Unfortunately, some ERs or urgent care centers send patients home without proper testing, allowing the condition to worsen.
Doctors may misdiagnose appendicitis as:
This is especially common in women, children, and elderly patients, whose symptoms may be atypical. Regardless of the patient’s age or gender, health care providers are expected to order imaging tests—such as a CT scan or ultrasound—when appendicitis is suspected. A failure to order appropriate tests to diagnose appendicitis, or a delay in interpreting them, can lead to tragic consequences, but a Miami attorney can help you seek justice.
Not every medical error rises to the level of malpractice. However, if your doctor failed to follow the standard of care—what a competent provider would have done in the same situation—they may be liable for your injuries.
Examples of medical negligence in appendicitis cases include:
When a patient suffers from a ruptured appendix, the treatment often becomes more invasive. You may require additional surgeries, antibiotics, extended hospital stays, or even treatment in the ICU. In some cases, the infection spreads and causes long-term damage or death. A Miami medical malpractice attorney can investigate your appendicitis case, consult with experts, and determine whether your outcome could have been avoided.
Medical malpractice cases are some of the most complex personal injury claims. Medical providers may claim that complications were unavoidable to avoid liability. That is why it is critical to work with a Miami law firm that understands both the legal and medical aspects of appendicitis misdiagnosis.
At Kaire & Heffernan, we take a hands-on, personalized approach to every case we handle. Our firm will review your medical records with trusted experts and determine if the standard of care was violated. We will calculate damages related to your medical costs, pain, lost income, and more. We also handle negotiations with hospitals and insurers, and, if necessary, we will take your case to trial.
We know how to build strong, evidence-based malpractice claims that reflect the seriousness of your injuries. Our attorneys have secured significant results for victims of medical negligence, and we are ready to fight for you.
Appendicitis is a serious condition. If your doctor failed to diagnose or properly treat your symptoms—and you suffered complications as a result—you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. A Miami appendicitis misdiagnosis lawyer at Kaire & Heffernan can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through every step of the process.
Do not let a preventable error go unanswered. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you move forward with confidence.