Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Illinois

My mom went to a clinic because she had a lot of pain on her foot. after conducting many test (MRI, CT scans etc..) They couldn't find anything however her pain kept getting worst and worst. Parts of her body (hands,feet, and arms,) began to get numb they sent her to a neurologist and he examined her and said she was fine. her primary doctor told her there was nothing they could do for her but send her to a pain clinic. My mom said ok. For personal reasons we went to Mexico and she got worst we took her to the hospital and she got another MRI in wich it showed that she had a hernated disc. we came back to the US a couple of days later. I took her to the ER and we were treated very rudely the lady said it wasn't an emergency ( after the Doctor in Mexico told us she had to have surgery ASAP or else she would lose her ability to walk) and that she couldn't see the MRI the Doctor from Mexico had sent with us. After that visit. There is more information and papers with prove. I am just wondering if there is anything we can do. SHe had the surgery but right know she is in a lot of pain and can't do anything for her self.

Thanks


Asked on 5/06/10, 8:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

You need to find a neurosurgeon first, who is persistent enough to find problem and be willing to undertake medical procedures to relieve the pain and get your mom stabilized.

I am personally acquainted with these issues as more than one family member of mine suffered from a herniated disk; there is an hereditary component. Multiple tests, MRIs, etc., don't always reveal the problem. In fact one family member went through surgery, and the pain was still there and wound up in a second surgery. And the family member is a medical professional too. People expect a lot because we have sophisticated equipment; it's still not an exact science. I happen to suffer from arthritis in my neck and it took my persistence until my MD referred me for an MRI; I was told eventually I may have similar symptoms to your mom; right now all I have is a dull ache that is sapping my energy so all I can do are neck exercises.

You need to be persistent: that's the other problem - people too often don't push and unfortunately the system is overburdened enough that if you don't become the squeaky wheel you can be put off.

Once your mom is stabilized you can take everything to a personal injury attorney who may be able to help determine if the previous medical services were not proper.

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Answered on 5/11/10, 1:32 pm


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