Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, twists and cuts off circulation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as delaying care can lead to severe complications, including permanent damage to the testicle or its removal.

Unfortunately, failure to diagnose testicular torsion in a timely manner can have life-altering consequences for patients, including infertility, hormonal imbalances, and emotional distress. Victims may be able to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit for their injuries.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys have successfully handled cases where a delayed diagnosis led to severe harm. Contact our office for a free consultation at 833-997-1774 to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is Testicular Torsion, and Why Is Prompt Diagnosis Critical?

Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow to the affected testicle. This condition typically causes severe, sudden pain in the scrotum, swelling, and nausea, and it requires immediate medical attention.

Time is critical in diagnosing and treating testicular torsion. If surgery is performed within six hours of symptom onset, the likelihood of saving the testicle is high. Delays in treatment can lead to ischemia (tissue death) and result in the removal of the testicle (orchiectomy). Without timely intervention, patients may face permanent consequences, including infertility and reduced testosterone production, which can impact their physical and emotional well-being.

How Does a Failure to Diagnose Testicular Torsion Occur?

A failure to diagnose testicular torsion often stems from medical negligence. Common errors include misdiagnosing the condition as epididymitis, a less serious condition with similar symptoms, or dismissing the patient’s complaints as minor.

Other contributing factors include inadequate physical examinations, failure to order diagnostic imaging, or delays in referring the patient to a specialist. Healthcare providers may also fail to recognize the urgency of the situation, leading to critical treatment delays. These errors can result in unnecessary suffering and irreversible damage, making early and accurate diagnosis essential.

What Are the Medical and Emotional Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis?

The consequences of failing to diagnose testicular torsion can be devastating. Medically, delayed diagnosis may result in the loss of the testicle, which can lead to infertility or the need for hormone replacement therapy to address reduced testosterone levels. The physical impact may also include chronic pain or complications from subsequent surgeries.

Emotionally, the loss of a testicle can affect a patient’s self-esteem, body image, and mental health. For young patients, the psychological toll can be particularly profound, as the condition often affects adolescents and young adults. The long-term implications of infertility or hormone imbalances further compound the emotional distress associated with delayed diagnosis.

What Legal Options Does a Victim of Medical Negligence Have?

If a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose testicular torsion caused harm, the victim may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. To pursue a claim, the victim must demonstrate that:

  • A doctor-patient relationship existed, establishing the provider’s duty of care.
  • The provider breached the standard of care by failing to diagnose or treat the condition promptly.
  • This breach directly caused harm, such as loss of the testicle, infertility, or other damages.

A successful malpractice claim can provide compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. In cases involving egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter similar conduct in the future. Consulting with a qualified medical malpractice attorney is critical to evaluating the strength of the claim and navigating the legal process.

How Can a Lawyer Help in a Testicular Torsion Malpractice Case?

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can be vital in holding negligent providers accountable and securing fair compensation for victims. The lawyer will investigate the case by obtaining medical records, consulting expert witnesses, and determining whether the provider deviated from the standard of care.

Your attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf or represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. By building a compelling case, your lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and you have the best chance of recovering damages for the harm you’ve endured.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

If you believe a doctor’s mistake has caused you harm, it is critical to act quickly. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our medical malpractice attorneys represent victims of surgical errors and medical negligence. We offer free, confidential consultations and represent clients on a contingency-fee-basis—meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact our office today at 833-997-1774 to schedule your free consultation with a doctor malpractice lawyer, and let us help you understand your legal options.