Meningitis

Indianapolis Meningitis Lawyer

Common Types of Meningitis

Viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are two common types of meningitis with different causes and characteristics.

Viral meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses, and it tends to be less severe than bacterial meningitis. It often resolves on its own with proper care, and the prognosis is generally favorable.

But more severe cases are found in the following groups:

• Children under 5
• People with compromised immune systems
• Infants less than 1 month old with weakened immune systems

Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis, and is considered a medical emergency. Bacterial meningitis can progress quickly and lead to severe complications, requiring immediate medical intervention with antibiotics. It has a higher risk of long-term complications and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

This type of meningitis can cause outbreaks and appear in settings like:

• Daycare facilities
• College dorms
• Military barracks

Also, bacterial meningitis affects the following groups most often:

• Newborns
• Babies and young children
• Teens and young adults
• Elderly adults

As is evidenced by data on both of these types of meningitis, infants and children are afflicted more often than others. That’s a devastating reality for many families, and it’s critical that they hire an experienced Indianapolis meningitis lawyer to fight for them should their child’s meningitis go undiagnosed or untreated.

Understanding Medical Malpractice in Meningitis Cases

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider fails to provide the expected standard of care, resulting in injury, harm, or death to the patient. In the context of meningitis cases, medical malpractice may include:

MISDIAGNOSIS OR DELAYED DIAGNOSIS

Failing to quickly recognize the symptoms of meningitis can lead to delayed treatment and worsening of the condition. This can occur when healthcare professionals fail to order appropriate diagnostic tests, misinterpret test results, or disregard the patient’s complaints.

FAILURE TO TREAT

Neglecting to administer proper treatment for meningitis once diagnosed is egregious, especially considering the well-understood dangers of meningitis. Improper treatment can involve prescribing incorrect medications, inadequate dosages, or delaying necessary medical interventions such as lumbar punctures or antibiotics.

IMPROPER MANAGEMENT OR FOLLOW-UP

Medical providers failing to monitor the patient’s condition, provide necessary follow-up care, or address complications arising from meningitis should be held liable. This may include neglecting to monitor vital signs, failing to order appropriate tests or consultations, or disregarding signs of deterioration.

SURGICAL ERRORS OR CONTAMINATION

In cases where meningitis is caused by contaminated medical equipment, improper sterilization techniques, or surgical errors, medical malpractice claims can be pursued against the responsible medical providers.

Establishing Your Medical Malpractice Meningitis Case

To build a strong medical malpractice meningitis case, several parts of the case must be established:

• Doctor-Patient Relationship: We must demonstrate that a doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning that the healthcare professional owed a duty of care to the patient in question. For example, in meningitis cases involving newborns, the medical practitioner would be the OB/GYN, labor and delivery nurses, or the infant’s pediatrician.
• Breach of Duty: It’s critical to establish that the medical provider breached their duty of care by deviating from the accepted standard of medical practice. This requires expert testimony to demonstrate how a competent healthcare provider would have acted in similar circumstances.
• Causation: We must prove that the healthcare professional’s breach of duty directly caused or significantly contributed to the patient’s meningitis-related injuries or harm. This typically involves gathering medical records, consulting with medical experts, and linking the negligent actions or omissions to the patient’s injury or illness.
• Damages: All damages suffered because of the medical negligence, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, emotional distress, and other relevant losses must be documented.

Contact Wagner Reese’s Indianapolis Meningitis Lawyers  

If you or a loved one has suffered from meningitis due to medical negligence or malpractice, it is important to talk to one of our medical malpractice lawsuit here at Wagner Reese. We can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and guide you through the legal process.

Along with our experience handling medical malpractice cases like meningitis lawsuits, we are also committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll meningitis can take on individuals and families, especially when vulnerable babies and children are harmed. You can count on us fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

Contact Wagner Reese today to schedule a free consultation with our Indianapolis attorneys.