Understanding Contraindications

Medical professionals have substantially greater responsibility than patients are likely to discern from their passing interactions. Not only do they have to thoroughly document their medically pertinent observations and a patient’s self-reported symptoms, but they must also diagnose the cause of those symptoms and determine a suitable course of treatment. In order to choose how best to proceed, a doctor must also monitor for any “contraindications”, or signs that there are likely to be significant adverse health consequences if a particular action is taken or medication is administered.

The failure to note contraindications and to act accordingly may have contributed to your injuries or to a birth injury sustained by your newborn child. Contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511 to learn what legal means you may have at your disposal to address the medical expenses and other damages that resulted.

Consequences of Missed Contraindications

Obviously, the severity and nature of the complications that arise is largely dependent upon the circumstances of each individual situation. But it is certainly in your best interest to develop an awareness of the range of adverse health effects that may result from a physician or other medical professional’s failure to observe some aspect of your physical health or medical history. The effects of a doctor’s action against a contraindication may include:

• Erb’s palsy (birth injury)
• Cerebral palsy (birth injury)
• Harmful drug interactions
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Severe blood loss
• Wrongful death

Contact Us

Trying to diagnose yourself is not a wise idea, but when your physician does not adequately evaluate your health situation and history, the results can be catastrophic. Contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511.