Many people in the United States have likely never heard of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). But those that have understand just how complicated and devastating it can be. An acute inflammatory skin reaction that usually develops as a result of taking a certain medication or an infection, SJS is one of the most misdiagnosed illnesses in the world. One of the reasons for this is the fact that it usually begins with a fever, sore throat, and other symptoms that are very similar to the flu. If your doctor is unfamiliar with SJS and you go to him or her with these symptoms, there’s a good chance they will send you home with some antibiotics. Unfortunately, this happens all the time, leaving SJS patients at risk of the disease progressing.

What Happens as SJS Progresses?

As SJS progresses, other symptoms develop, such as:

• A widespread rash
• Painful sores or blisters
• Skin that peels off in sheets
• Skin lesions
• Skin pain
• Sore throat and mouth
• Fatigue
• Burning eyes

As you can see, many of these symptoms are similar to those of other common conditions. This is yet another reason why SJS is such a complex disease. If left undiagnosed, SJS may also manifest into an even more deadly disease, called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This iteration of the condition is far more serious than SJS, making it difficult for patients to make a full recovery.

SJS and Medical Malpractice

The majority of SJS cases happen as a result of an allergic reaction to a specific medication. Because of this, SJS often results in medical malpractice. Unfortunately, medications are often prescribed to patients without enough research being conducted – regarding the patient’s medical history and the drug itself. If you were prescribed a drug that you are allergic to and developed SJS as a result, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice. It is also quite common for SJS to go unnoticed or undiagnosed, resulting in a delay in treatment. As we’ve mentioned, the sooner SJS is diagnosed, the greater the chance the patient will have of getting the treatment they need to make a full recovery.

In the event medical malpractice is established, the victim may be able to seek compensation for a wide range of damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, and mental anguish. These cases are complicated and require the expertise and knowledge of a medical malpractice lawyer. Here at Wormington & Bollinger, our Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyers have handled numerous cases just like this. We are here to help you understand your rights and what type of legal action you may be able to take. If you lost a loved one to SJS, you may also be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Please give us a call today to schedule a free consultation where we can discuss your case.