Bacterial Meningitis Due to Medical Malpractice

Victims Who Have Suffered From Bacterial Meningitis Due to Medical Malpractice Need to Call Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Oregon

 

Bacterial meningitis is very serious infection that is considered to be a medical emergency. This type of meningitis can progressively worsen in a short period of time, meaning that timely treatment is of the utmost importance. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis can lead to permanent injury or even wrongful death. Death and injury are often completely preventable if appropriate medical care is provided to individuals with this illness. This is why, if an individual who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis suffers permanent injury or death, it can be caused by medical malpractice and should be further investigated to determine if the outcome was preventable. Bacterial meningitis due to medical malpractice is simply a negligence and dangerous mistakes that often shouldn’t have happened.

 

If your loved one was seriously injured from bacterial meningitis due to medical malpractice, lean how our birth injury lawyer in Oregon can help you and your family recover the compensation that you deserve for conscious pain and suffering, medical bills, future lost income/work ability, loss of consortium and affection, home or vehicle modifications, and other damages.  We can help you and your family learn more about your rights and what you may be entitled to under the law in Oregon during a FREE consultation.  To learn more, please call today.

 

What is Bacterial Meningitis?

 

Bacterial meningitis is a type of infection affecting the meninges of the brain. The infection leads to swelling in the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening or even permanently disabling if not taken care of immediately. 

 

What Types of Bacteria Commonly Cause Bacterial Meningitis?

 

 

There are many different types of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis. The most common types of bacteria causing meningitis include the following:

 

• Listeria monocytogenes
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Group B Streptococcus
• Escherichia coli
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are certain types of bacteria that are more likely to cause bacterial meningitis in certain age groups. Some people who infect other people with bacteria-causing meningitis may show no symptoms. These individuals would be referred to as carriers. 

 

How Does Bacterial Meningitis Spread?

 

Most germs spread from person to person. That being said, there are certain types of bacteria-causing meningitis that can be spread through food, such as L monocytogenes or Escherichia coli. Group B strep or E. coli can be passed from mother to baby at birth.

 

What are the Risk Factors for Bacterial Meningitis?

 

There are certain factors that place a person at higher risk for bacterial meningitis than others. Risk factors for bacterial meningitis include the following:

 

• Age – Babies
• Travel, especially to the sub-Saharan Africa or to Mecca
• Having HIV, a CSF leak, or no spleen 
• Being a microbiologist working with pathogens that cause meningitis
• Being in a group setting, allowing for a higher chance to catch something contagious
• Recent head injury

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis?

 

There are certain signs and symptoms that people should be aware of as they can indicate that a person has bacterial meningitis. Signs and symptoms include the following:

 

• Stiff neck
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Vomiting
• Altered mental status
• Skin rash

Signs and Symptoms of bacterial meningitis are different for a newborn. These signs and symptoms include the following:

 

• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Poor feeding
• Bulging fontanelle 
• Abnormal reflexes 
• Little or no activity 

What Can Happen if a Person With Bacterial Meningitis is Not Treated?

 

There are many serious consequences of leaving meningitis untreated. The most common outcome of bacterial meningitis is death. If there is a delay in treatment but the individual is treated, they may suffer long-term with seizures or brain damage. Hearing loss, vision loss, and other permanent disabilities may occur. For a newborn, they may suffer with lifelong disabilities such as developmental delays, speech delays, cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders. 

 

How is Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosed?

 

Along with a physical exam and assessment of symptoms, if it is suspected that a person has bacterial meningitis, a lumbar puncture is performed. This is to collect spinal fluid to assess for any presence of bacteria. 

 

How is Bacterial Meningitis Treated?

 

Bacterial meningitis is treated with prompt use of antibiotics. Sometimes, a corticosteroid is also used to decrease swelling and inflammation. If a person with bacterial meningitis is dehydrated, IV fluids are also given.  This is why bacterial meningitis due to medical malpractice can be so serious if it is not timely treated because delays can cause extreme harm to a victim that could become irreversible.

 

How Can Negative Outcomes from Bacterial Meningitis Due to Medical Malpractice be Caused?

 

As mentioned above, bacterial meningitis requires immediate medical treatment. If a patient comes in with symptoms of meningitis but is not appropriately assessed and it leads to death or other serious injuries from untreated bacterial meningitis, this can be seen as medical malpractice. A delay in initiating antibiotic therapy for known or suspected bacterial meningitis can also be medical malpractice if there are poor outcomes as a result of the delay. Interpreting test results incorrectly, leading to a delay in treatment that results in a poor outcome is also seen as medical malpractice. If doctor or other healthcare provider diagnoses the patient with something other than meningitis and it leads to a treatment delay, which leads to injury, this too is considered medical malpractice. 

 

Did Your Baby Suffer From Bacterial Meningitis Due to Medical Malpractice?  Learn How Our Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help You

 

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

 

Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton,  Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles,  St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.

 

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.