North Carolina residents might be interested in a case occurring in a Kentucky court involving a man who was misdiagnosed with HIV back in 2004. The 43-year-old veteran had been taking up to 15 powerful drugs as prescribed by his doctors. Additionally, he had been following their advice by only having sexual relations with individuals infected with the HIV virus.
The Kentucky resident is suing University of Kentucky Medical Center and The Bluegrass Clinic, which is its affiliated infectious disease clinic, for medical negligence and failure to use reasonable care in diagnosing and treating him for the HIV virus. The Fayette County Health Department is also named in the medical malpractice lawsuit.
In September of 2004, the man received a positive HIV diagnosis; however, he questioned it, stating that a previous test had been returned as negative. In spite of the negative results from a confirmatory test, doctors gave him information regarding treatment as well as how to cope with the diagnosis. The lawsuit alleges that his doctors never reviewed the results if the confirmatory test; therefore, he was diagnosed incorrectly. The HIV misdiagnosis carries a high risk, especially because he was put in direct danger of contracting the virus through one of his sexual partners. In addition, the psychological stress has made him contemplate suicide.
Misdiagnosis of diseases can have profound consequences. Because the doctors allegedly failed to diagnose this man properly, he may have to suffer from health issues that he would not normally have to face. North Carolina residents who believe they have been misdiagnosed may benefit from the services if a skilled medical malpractice attorney. A lawyer might be able to explain the law as well as offer options in order to attempt to obtain a favorable result.
Source: Huffington Post, “Bobby Russel, U.S. Veteran, files lawsuit claiming HIV misdiagnosis“, Hunter Stuart, September 03, 2013