Coronavirus is at the forefront of our thoughts as a country. There are currently over 600 cases of coronavirus in the United States, including a New York lawyer. Italy and Israel have imposed quarantine laws that limit people’s movements. The Pentagon is now recommending that people practice “social distancing” by holding videoconference meetings rather than holding meetings in crowded rooms.
Older people and those with chronic illnesses have been warned to take precautions like acquiring adequate medical supplies. Flu season is still in high gear, and determining whether or not a patient has the flu or Coronavirus can be challenging. With the surge of people coming in for treatment, the potential for medical malpractice in New York hospitals is at an all-time high.
Misdiagnosing Coronavirus is Dangerous for At-Risk Individuals
The symptoms of regular flu and coronavirus are extremely similar. This has led some health officials to worry about doctors misdiagnosing coronavirus and engaging in medical malpractice. Flu symptoms include sore throat, aches, fever, and coughs. While coronavirus symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Coronavirus is more severe than other flu viruses, primarily because we are in a virgin population.
A Faulty CDC Coronavirus Test Has Delayed Monitoring
Misdiagnosing coronavirus is more likely because of faulty tests. The federal government created a coronavirus test, but the test is not accurate in all cases. As of February 25, the U.S. government had only tested 426 people. Only a dozen state and local laboratories are authorized to run coronavirus tests outside of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the tests sent out by the CDC included a faulty component.
Coronavirus Tests May be Faulty
According to U.S. guidelines, only a narrow group of patients should be tested for coronavirus:
- Those who display respiratory symptoms, and
- Those who have recently traveled to China, and
- Those who have had contact with someone infected by Coronavirus
Nonetheless, some health officials have argued that it is time to broaden coronavirus testing in the United States. There could be more undetected cases of Coronavirus mixed in with cold and flu viruses.
Are New York City Hospitals Liable Negligence Regarding Coronavirus?
Testing kits have not been widely distributed to New York hospitals. When hospitals do not have access to tests, they must send the testing samples all the way to Atlanta, wasting time. What happens when a doctor at a New York hospital misdiagnoses coronavirus?
Under New York law, medical professionals have a duty to use reasonable care when diagnosing patients who may have coronavirus. When they fail to use reasonable care, they engage in medical malpractice. Should a doctor dismiss a patient’s symptoms too quickly, the patient could leave the hospital and die from pneumonia caused by a coronavirus. Additionally, coronavirus patients who are not guaranteed can spread the virus to many people throughout New York.
Many health officials are warning that the coronavirus has already become a pandemic and will continue to spread. If a medical professional has misdiagnosed you with the flu, a cold, or coronavirus, you may have a viable personal injury lawsuit. Contact Pulvers Thomspon today to schedule your initial consultation.
