Failure to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism Lawyer
Embolisms are blockages in an artery and can occur anywhere in the body. Usually, it is an air bubble or a blood clot that causes an embolism. When an artery to the lungs is blocked, it can be due to a pulmonary embolism and can be life-threatening. Due to the high risk of death from pulmonary embolisms and the quick response required for treatment, there is no room for error in diagnosis. When a physician or medical professional does not recognize the signs and fails to diagnose a pulmonary embolism, it can be a case of medical malpractice.
The time to act when a pulmonary embolism occurs is short. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the higher the chance of survival and recovery is for the patient. Often pulmonary embolisms can occur after surgery, and the patient may be in the hospital when the embolism first begins to cause symptoms. It can be caused by a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) where the clot forms in the legs and travels to the lungs. Air or pieces of bone can also cause blockages in the lungs but are rare.
Symptoms and Risks of Pulmonary Embolism
Due to the serious nature of pulmonary embolisms, it is a well-known medical crisis that physicians should be monitoring high-risk patients for and recognizing the early symptoms. High-risk patients include those who are bedridden or immobile, as blood clots are more likely to occur in those with less activity. Early signs and symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up bloody phlegm, dizziness and excessive sweating.
If you have lost a loved one to a pulmonary embolism that was diagnosed too late, you may want to explore the possibility of medical malpractice or negligence. If there were signs or symptoms that went undiagnosed for too long, it could be the liability of the physician or medical team treating the patient. Contact us at Moriarty Injury Lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your case.