Lupus Misdiagnosis Is Not Uncommon

With a wide range of potential symptoms and no definitive testing available, lupus is one of the most difficult conditions to diagnose. A blanket term for several related autoimmune disorders, lupus is known as one of the “great imitator” diseases. Many with the condition will present no symptoms for long periods, only to have the condition flare up in times of stress.

Do I Need a Lupus Misdiagnosis Lawyer?

Just as lupus can attack any part of the body, the disease can easily affect all parts of your life. Suing for medical malpractice or hospital error may be an option if a lupus misdiagnosis caused you unnecessary hospital bills, pain and suffering, lost wages or led to a long-term disability that has made it difficult to support yourself and your family.

At Shulman Rogers, we understand that the decision to sue for medical malpractice is not an easy one to make. No one wants to profit from a disease or make other people suffer as a result. When faced with mounting hospital expenses or long-term complications that could have been avoided, however, filing a lawsuit can help you stay comfortable and focus on managing your condition without additional financial stress.

Whatever you decide to do, it’s always worth it to speak with a Shulman Rogers lupus misdiagnosis lawyer as soon as possible. Our team will provide honest, straightforward counsel every step of the way. Call to schedule your free consultation today.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can affect all parts of the body. Some common symptoms include a large, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, ulcers in the mouth and nose, sore muscles and achy joints, inflammation, circulation problems, low-grade fever and fatigue, and more.

Given these symptoms, lupus misdiagnoses are extremely common. When testing for lupus, it is the responsibility of your doctor to rule out similar conditions such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

A multifaceted condition such as lupus can have wide-ranging consequences, among them fatal organ damage and cardiovascular disease. With early intervention, however, the risk of these complications is greatly reduced. In fact, as many as 90% of lupus sufferers can expect to live a normal lifespan so long as periodic flare-ups of the condition are managed with proper care.

In certain cases, a lupus misdiagnosis can prevent you from accessing early treatment options that may help you more effectively deal with symptoms of the disease. That’s not only a serious impact on your quality of life, but it also has financial implications as well. When lupus prevents you from working and supporting yourself, it means lost wages, more medical expenses and additional stress. That’s why you owe it to yourself to fully explore your legal options following a lupus misdiagnosis.

Contact the Shulman Rogers team for assistance today. Our lupus misdiagnosis lawyers can help you determine whether a medical malpractice or hospital error lawsuit is an option.