Can I file a medical malpractice claim for a stroke misdiagnosis?
Thousands of Americans will suffer from a stroke every year. Many families know at least one person who has experienced one; however, the severity of the stroke can vary. Although common, strokes are frequently misdiagnosed. When this occurs, and the doctor or nurse should have done more testing to confirm a patient was indeed having a stroke, there may be grounds for malpractice. If you or a loved one had a stroke, but is was not diagnosed in time, please call a medical malpractice lawyer.
A stroke occurs when there is an abrupt death of brain cells because of a lack of oxygen to the brain. This lack of oxygen can happen when the blood flow to the brain is hindered; therefore, resulting in a decrease in brain functioning. Usually, there is a blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain.
In the U.S. strokes are the number one cause of disability in adults and the third leading cause of death. Failure to diagnose a stroke refers to the failure not recognizing the early symptoms just before or while the stroke is happening. To avoid a stroke, doctors should look for signs and perform regular patient screens which may involve a the exam, tests, an ultrasound of the carotid arteries, angiograms, and other precautionary measures.
Transient Ischemic Attacks
Also known as TIA, this involves stroke like symptoms, but unlike in a stroke where the symptoms can be long lasting or permanent, they are temporary. TIA attacks are very important warning signs because they usually indicate a stroke will happen in the near future. TIA's may last 10 to 30 minutes, and when they are diagnosed, a stroke could be prevented.
If a stroke does occur, immediate treatment is prudent for it can prevent the damage from progressing into something devastating. If a stroke is undiagnosed or diagnosed after it has occured, treatment may be late or even not provided until it is too late. As a result, preventable brain damage or death could result. Furthermore, an undiagnosed stroke can lead to:
Difficult to read or write
If the following symptoms are present, or you suspect something is not right, please seek medical attention immediately. If you or a loved one had these symptoms, but a stroke was not diagnosed, call a medical malpractice lawyer.
Paralysis (often on one side of the body)
Loss of strength in the legs
Compensation for Misdiagnosed Strokes
In general, as a medical malpractice lawyer might tell you, the damage sustained in a stroke is often preventable. The key is to notice the warning signs and treat the stroke before it happens or in its early stages. Mistakes can happen from:
Sending the patient home too early
Improper reading of tests
Failure to refer the patient to a neurologist
Failure to take a full medical history
Failure to consider a possible stroke in a patient who is young or does not meet the standard warning signs
Following a stroke, you might be upset and concerned about recovering. Seeking legal help may be the last thing on your mind; however, you should not disregard it. If you or a loved one has had a stroke and suffered serious harm or died, and you believe the stroke could have been prevented, please call a medical malpractice attorney in Phoenix, AZ to discuss your case. Compensation may be available.
Thanks to Rispoli Law, PLLC for their insight into medical malpractice and stroke misdiagnosis.