Bacterial meningitis: The bacterial form of meningitis is an extremely serious illness that requires immediate medical care. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death within hours or to permanent brain damage in about 30% of people. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a bacterial meningitis is the most common form of meningitis malpractice claim. Bacterial meningitis is caused by any one of several bacteria, including Group B strep (in newborns), Hemophilus influenzae type b (in babies), meningococcus (mostly in young adults) and pneumococcus (the most common for adults). Together, these four bacteria account for over 80% of bacterial meningitis cases in the U.S.
Viral meningitis: Though more common, people with viral meningitis are much less likely to have permanent brain damage. Also, because antibiotics cannot treat viral meningitis, very few malpractice cases involve viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually relatively mild. It clears up within a week or two without specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with meningitis? Please describe your situation – we will analyze it for free and tell you if you have a case.