Stroke Misdiagnoses By Medical Professionals
When a stroke hits, every second counts. Oxygen stops flowing to the brain, and irreversible damage is done with each passing moment. If a doctor fails to recognize the obvious warning signs of a stroke or a hospital delays diagnosis until it is too late, then a severe and permanent disability could be the result. A delayed stroke diagnosis is a serious matter since the time lost is irreplaceable. If this has happened to you or someone you love, call us at Kaire & Heffernan, PLLC, today.
Mark Kaire is an experienced attorney with an excellent reputation for handling litigation that arises from mishandled strokes. If you or a loved one was harmed by a doctor’s improper treatment, call our office in Miami, Florida, for a free consultation.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to certain areas of the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or something else. This causes oxygen deprivation, which leads to brain cell death. Brain cells begin to die as soon as oxygen is cut off. If a stroke victim doesn’t receive proper tests and care right away, then their chances for recovery are very slim. In most cases, symptoms will develop quickly, so it’s crucial that victims seek emergency medical services immediately.
The following are the symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face or arm on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding what others say
- Sudden severe headache and vision problems, such as blurred vision, blind spots or seeing double
- Difficulty walking, dizziness and loss of balance or coordination
- Confusion about what is happening
- Numbness, tingling sensations or unsteadiness on feet or limbs
The Dangers Of A Stroke Misdiagnosis
When a medical provider ignores the warning signs, treating a stroke or transient ischemic attack becomes much more difficult. As soon as the symptoms appear, the patient has three hours to receive the drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). If tPA is not administered, then the ischemic stroke victim will suffer severe irreversible damage.
Delayed diagnosis is the leading cause of preventable death after a stroke. To help patients avoid this fate, doctors should have protocols in place to screen potential stroke patients for risk factors. If these screenings reveal high risks, then they must act accordingly. When doctors fail to make accurate diagnoses, they put patients in harm’s way and risk the lives of stroke victims.
Your Legal Options After A Stroke Misdiagnosis
Speak With Us Today
If you or a loved one suffered a stroke and did not receive the proper care, you need to contact a lawyer who is experienced in stroke misdiagnosis cases. In a medical malpractice case, expert witnesses and medical records are vital. We are experienced attorneys who will bring in the right experts and gather all the evidence you need to build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve.
At Kaire & Heffernan, PLLC, we have handled hundreds of similar cases and have a proven track record of success. We will work diligently for you and your loved ones. Contact us today for a free initial consultation by calling 305-376-7860 or reaching out to us online.