Infections are always potentially dangerous conditions, especially for children. Catching these as early as possible is essential to prevent worsening symptoms and even a life-threatening complication like septicemia. If a doctor delays in diagnosing the condition in Atlanta, Georgia, and your child suffers because of it, you may have a medical malpractice claim.
At Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers, our Atlanta pediatric viral infections lawyers can help you fight for fair compensation if a healthcare provider did not offer the level of care that your loved one required. Contact us at (770) 390-7550 today for a free consultation.
How Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Pediatric Viral Infection in Atlanta, GA
As with other types of malpractice claims, pediatrician malpractice cases require that you demonstrate that the provider failed to offer the standard and expected level of care. In cases involving infections, the goal is to prove that another provider would have spotted the symptoms, made an accurate diagnosis, and offered the right treatment.
If your child developed a viral infection and the medical provider did not catch it quickly enough, hiring Atlanta pediatric malpractice attorneys can help you fight for your rights.
At Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers, we offer services that include:
- Evaluating your case during a free consultation
- Investigating how the malpractice took place
- Gathering evidence to prove negligence
- Establishing the liable parties
- Calculating the full damages your family has suffered
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Litigating, if it’s not possible to reach a settlement
We are dedicated to providing compassionate and thorough representation for even the most complex of cases. You don’t have to navigate a malpractice case on your own. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
Common Pediatric Viral Infection Symptoms
Understanding how a pediatric viral infection presents is essential. There are numerous symptoms that can warn you and medical professionals that the infection requires monitoring. Most of the time, your child can experience cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, coughing, or sneezing. Sometimes, children also have a sore throat or earache.
Other symptoms of viral infection include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Muscle aches
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
The situation can get more complex if your child develops a fever, which is possible with a viral infection. If a pediatrician doesn’t perform a thorough exam or doesn’t send out for labs to see if there is bacteria to worry about, a misdiagnosis can occur. Your child could receive antibiotics that won’t help the viral infection and could cause other side effects.
If a viral infection isn’t treated correctly, it can lead to severe complications in children. Breathing issues could begin along with dehydration if they have diarrhea or vomiting. Your child could develop confusion and lethargy. As the illness progresses, it’s possible for their lips and skin to take on a bluish tint as a result of breathing issues. In the most serious cases, organs can fail.
When a Pediatric Viral Infection Becomes Dangerous
Although many viral infections improve with rest and supportive care, some can become serious if they are not properly evaluated or treated.
Some of the most serious complications that can result from untreated or poorly managed viral infections include:
- Severe dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
- Breathing difficulties or respiratory distress
- Secondary infections that require additional treatment
- Confusion, extreme fatigue, or changes in mental status
- Sepsis or widespread infection in the body
- Organ damage in severe cases
Because these complications can develop quickly, it is critical for medical providers to carefully evaluate symptoms and monitor a child’s condition to ensure proper treatment and timely intervention.
Is It Malpractice? Understanding Whether You Can Take Legal Action
If your child experienced complications because a viral infection went untreated or was treated incorrectly, you may wonder whether you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. The key question is whether another reasonably competent healthcare provider would have handled the situation differently.
If a qualified pediatrician following accepted medical standards could have prevented your child’s complications, the situation may qualify as medical malpractice. However, these cases can be complex. They typically require testimony and evidence from medical experts who can show that the care your child received fell below the appropriate standard of care.
It is also important to act quickly. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Because of the strict time limits and the complexity of proving malpractice, working with experienced attorneys can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family may deserve.
Contact Our Atlanta Pediatric Viral Infection Lawyers for a Free Consultation
When you take your child to a pediatrician for help, you expect them to receive the best level of care. If that doesn’t occur and your child suffers medical complications, then you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
At Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers, our Atlanta pediatric viral infection attorneys can help you fight for fair damages. We have decades of experience navigating this process. Contact our team for a free case assessment with one of our dedicated lawyers.