Investigation Reveals the VA Misdiagnosed Thousands of Veterans

A late diagnosis or misdiagnosis can be detrimental to a patient’s health. Not only does it prevent malpractice victims from getting the care that they need when they need it, but it can also result in unnecessary treatments that cause severe negative side effects.

According to WWL-TV, a recent investigation has revealed that Veterans Administration hospitals have been failing to diagnose traumatic brain injuries for years. Often called the “signature injury” of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, traumatic brain injuries in veterans most commonly result from blasts, motor vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds, according to the National Center for PTSD.

If you think you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis or late diagnosis for a traumatic brain injury or other condition, turn to a wrongful death attorney from The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule an initial consultation with a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer.

Nearly 25,000 Veterans Were Victims of Medical Malpractice

TEGNA, WWL-TV’s parent company, conducted an 18-month investigation of Veterans Administration hospitals around the country and found that the VA failed to adhere to its own rules when it came to diagnosing veterans with TBI. Patients who may have a traumatic brain injury are supposed to see a TBI specialist for a thorough assessment; however, more than 24,000 veterans around the country with suspected TBIs did not see such specialists.

Under VA policy, there are only four types of experienced specialists who can diagnose TBIs accurately. The VA investigation revealed that doctors did not examine 309 veterans with potential TBIs in New Orleans alone.

The failure to follow diagnostic protocol was first identified in another state, but people quickly realized that if it was happening there, it was likely occurring elsewhere, too. Thus, a nationwide investigation began.

When the investigation revealed that doctors failed to screen nearly 25,000 veterans for TBIs, the VA called it an injustice and set to work immediately to fix the issue. The more than 300 local veterans whom this oversight directly affected can expect to receive a letter detailing their options for further testing and treatment.

I Was a Victim of Medical Malpractice – What Are My Options?

If you believe that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, chances are it has affected your life in more ways than one. When you receive substandard medical care, it can result in costly medical bills for additional treatment, lost wages for missing work, an extensive recovery period and a diminished quality of life, depending on the extent of the injuries.

By filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, you can pursue compensation for all of these damages and more. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer from The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm will guide you through every step of the filing process and ensure you do not make any mistakes that could compromise your interests.

Call (504) 586-5200 to discuss your case with a New Orleans wrongful death attorney today. You can learn more about medical malpractice claims in Louisiana by visiting USAttorneys.com.