Have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor who told you that you were “too young” to have a particular illness? This scenario can frustrate and potentially endanger patients. In New Jersey, doctors who cause harm through such actions may face medical malpractice charges.
Understanding medical malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals deviate from accepted care standards, causing patient harm. To establish a medical malpractice claim in New Jersey, you must prove four key elements:
- Duty of care: The doctor must provide care meeting accepted medical standards.
- Breach of duty: The doctor failed to meet this standard by downplaying concerns or not ordering necessary tests.
- Causation: The doctor’s actions directly caused harm, such as a delayed diagnosis worsening a condition.
- Damages: You suffered harm or injury, including physical pain, emotional distress, additional medical expenses or income loss.
Potential liability examples include misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or failure to treat.
Illnesses downplayed often
Doctors might dismiss certain illnesses due to a patient’s age because of the disease’s typical demographics. Examples include:
- Heart disease: Young adults can experience heart disease, but doctors might dismiss symptoms as anxiety or stress.
- Stroke: While more common in older adults, strokes can affect younger individuals.
- Cancer: Certain cancers can affect younger people, but doctors might attribute symptoms to less severe conditions.
- Arthritis: Juvenile arthritis can affect children and young adults, but doctors might dismiss joint pain as growing pains or sports injuries.
- Prostate enlargement: Although more common in older men, younger men can also experience prostate issues.
When doctors dismiss these illnesses, malpractice claims can result if they cause harm.
What you can do
If you believe you have experienced medical malpractice in New Jersey, take these steps:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of symptoms, doctor visits and communications with healthcare providers.
- Seek a second opinion: Consult another healthcare professional to assess your condition and the care you received.
- Consult a medical malpractice attorney: An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a viable claim.
Doctors must take patient concerns seriously and provide appropriate care. Failure to do so, resulting in harm, can lead to medical malpractice liability. If you suspect malpractice, seek legal advice to protect your rights and pursue potential claims. Remember, age should not determine the quality of care you receive. Always advocate for your health and seek appropriate medical attention when needed.
