Endocrine Disorders
The endocrine system is integral to human health and maintains countless bodily functions. An endocrine disorder can wreak havoc on the body, causing numerous physical and psychological problems. Unfortunately, disorders in this medical family can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to adverse health impacts for patients.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our Chicago endocrine malpractice attorneys have decades of legal experience advocating for medical malpractice victims and pursuing maximum compensation on their behalf. We have recovered over $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements and employ a diverse team of over 20 top litigators. That means we have the resources and talent to aggressively fight to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
An endocrine disorder misdiagnosis involving the thyroid or pancreas can change your life. Lean on us for the legal advice and support you need. Contact our Chicago office now to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your misdiagnosis claim.
Common Endocrine Disorders Subject to Misdiagnosis
Some people think about hormones only in terms of sex hormones created and released by sexual organs. However, there are numerous hormones circulating throughout the human body that serve various valuable functions.
The endocrine system consists of organs and glands, including the thyroid, thymus, pancreas, and pituitary gland. These glands and organs create and release hormones that send specific signals to the body. There are over 50 different types of hormones, all of which regulate growth, reproduction, mood, metabolism, and the sleep-wake cycle.
An endocrine disorder is a medical condition that affects one of the many hormone-producing glands or organs in the body. Because of the overlapping symptoms associated with other more common medical conditions, endocrine disorders can be complicated to diagnose and are subject to misdiagnosis. Additionally, because the human hormonal system is so complex, it can be challenging to pinpoint how disruptions to the endocrine system affect the body.
Some of the most common endocrine system disorders that could be misdiagnosed for other conditions include the following:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroiditis
- Cushing’s disease
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Precocious puberty
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (Type 1 and 2)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Disorders affecting the thyroid and pancreas are some of the most common.
Why Does Endocrine Disorders Misdiagnosis Occur?
The pancreas is a gland of the digestive and endocrine systems. It is responsible for making enzymes that help with digestion and hormones like insulin and glucagon that help control blood sugar. Diabetes misdiagnosis is also an example of a common endocrine disorder misdiagnosis.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestion, brain development, and mental activity. Because of the diversity of its hormonal functions, thyroid misdiagnosis is common.
Because these two glands, in particular, are responsible for so many different functions, symptoms of endocrine disorders involving the thyroid and pancreas are often misdiagnosed as other more benign conditions. These conditions tend to mimic other medical issues, and sometimes they also present with non-specific symptoms. This makes pinpointing the cause of a person’s medical problem more challenging.
Another issue involved in an endocrine misdiagnosis is the potential for a practitioner to provide substandard medical care to a patient. Substandard care or medical errors that can lead to a misdiagnosis can include the following:
- Failing to recommend specialized testing
- Inadequate endocrine testing
- Misinterpretation of test results
- Misinterpretation of symptoms
- Failure to refer to a specialist
- Delayed diagnosis
A misdiagnosis can lead to dire consequences for a patient suffering from an endocrine disorder.
What Are the Legal Implications of Endocrine Malpractice?
A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of endocrine problems can be life-changing. A diabetes misdiagnosis can result in delayed treatment, which may cause nerve damage, increased risk of infections, organ failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and limb amputation. The same is true for thyroid issues, which can result in cardiovascular issues, extreme weight loss or gain, infertility, mental health problems, and other conditions.
If substandard medical care caused a misdiagnosis and a similarly trained professional would not have provided the same level of care under the same circumstances, a patient may seek compensation via a medical malpractice claim. This can help hold careless providers accountable for their actions — or lack thereof — and allow individuals to seek valuable compensation for their injuries and losses.
The Endocrine Disorder Misdiagnosis Claims Process
A medical provider, facility, or insurance company may encourage you to accept a speedy settlement offer. While tempting, initial offers are often intentionally undervalued in the hope that you will accept them, but a skilled attorney will recognize this strategy and advocate for a settlement that accurately reflects the compensation you deserve. You should not go through the endocrine disorder misdiagnosis claim process without the help of an experienced malpractice attorney.
The claim process can be complicated. It involves gathering and preserving specific medical records and documentation, finding expert witnesses to support your diagnosis, and aggressive negotiation tactics. When the claim process is not progressing as expected, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be the best path forward.
Navigating the legal process of recovering fair compensation can be even more challenging. It includes managing strict legal deadlines, properly serving opposing parties, and collecting and preserving additional evidence. The following are some of the steps involved:
- Securing copies of your medical records
- Finding medical experts to review your medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Securing an affidavit or sworn statement from a medical expert
- Filing necessary legal paperwork
- Notifying the opposing party of the complaint
- Preparing a case for trial
A round of settlement negotiations may also occur before a trial. Most medical malpractice cases are settled outside of court. However, your attorney can be ready to take your case to trial if both parties cannot reach an acceptable agreement.
Hire an Endocrine Disorder Misdiagnosis Attorney
The Chicago endocrine malpractice lawyer at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can protect your rights and prepare a personalized legal strategy that will give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in your situation. If you are concerned about being able to afford a lawyer, you need not worry; our law firm works on contingency, which means you do not owe us anything unless we obtain compensation for you.
You have a limited time to exercise your legal rights in a misdiagnosis claim, so contact our office today and set up a free, confidential legal consultation. Discover how our team can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
