Stroke and Ministroke Misdiagnosis: Filing a Medical Malpractice Case
Medical professionals have a legal and ethical obligation to deliver care that meets the accepted standard. When doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals provide substandard care, it can be devastating for patients. Diagnosis is a crucial aspect of medical care. Unfortunately, doctors frequently misdiagnose a condition due to neglect or medical errors.
Stroke and ministroke misdiagnosis can have catastrophic consequences. Medical malpractice lawyers at the Foley Law Firm work with individuals from Scranton, Stroudsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, to assess the damages of a stroke or ministroke diagnosis and file a medical malpractice case to hold negligent medical workers accountable for economic and non-economic losses.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. Blood delivers vital oxygen and nutrients. Without proper blood flow, brain cells can begin to die in minutes. Recognizing stroke symptoms is vital to seeking medical treatment, which is crucial to minimizing brain damage and preventing other complications, including death. Common stroke symptoms include:
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
- Vision problems
- Balance issues
- Severe headache
What Is a Ministroke (TIA)?
A ministroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. A ministroke can look and feel like a stroke, presenting the same symptoms. The primary difference between a ministroke and a stroke is that the damage of a ministroke is not permanent. Ministroke symptoms resolve within 24 hours and in as little as a few minutes. Diagnosing a ministroke is crucial because it may be a warning sign of a full-blown stroke.
Dangers of a Stroke or Ministroke Misdiagnosis
Ministrokes tend to last only a few minutes but are often precursors to full-blown strokes. Diagnosing a ministroke is crucial because it can prevent a life-threatening stroke from occurring.
A stroke starts causing brain damage within minutes. Misdiagnosis of a stroke delays treatment which prolongs brain damage and increases the risk of permanent side effects or death.
Is a Misdiagnosis Medical Malpractice?
Misdiagnosis is medical malpractice if a medical professional acts negligently or makes errors that prevent them from delivering the accepted standard of care. Examples of malpractice that can lead to medically preventable stroke damage include:
- Failure to consider a stroke in younger, seemingly healthy patients
- Failure to perform a thorough physical examination
- Neglecting to order appropriate diagnostic tests
- Failure to or delay in consulting a neurological specialist
- Laboratory error in testing
- Improper reading of test results
- Failure to communicate test results
Filing a Medical Malpractice Case
Stroke or ministroke misdiagnosis can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the patient and their family. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit allows injured parties to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and pursue appropriate compensation for losses. Medical malpractice victims may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of long-term care
- Loss of wages or diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses (when a stroke is fatal)
Contact Foley Law Firm
Medical malpractice attorneys at Foley Law Firm are prepared to hold negligent medical providers accountable for their errors and pursue the compensation our clients are due for damages. To discuss the details of your situation with our legal team, send us a message and schedule a case review.
