Recognizing and Addressing Stroke Misdiagnosis in Colorado
Every minute that a stroke goes untreated, nearly two million brain cells die. That’s why a fast, accurate diagnosis in the emergency room is essential to preventing severe, permanent damage—or even death. Unfortunately, stroke misdiagnosis remains a significant problem in Colorado hospitals.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a delayed diagnosis or an outright stroke misdiagnosis in Colorado, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., our attorneys have successfully represented stroke victims and their families in some of the most complex malpractice cases in Colorado and across the country.
We understand the devastating consequences of diagnostic failures, and we have an impressive track record when it comes to holding healthcare providers accountable when they occur.
Stroke Misdiagnosis Is a Serious Issue
Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. According to the NIH, the number of misdiagnosed strokes that occur every year in American hospitals could be as high as 165,000.
In Colorado, we’ve seen similar trends in local emergency departments and urgent care settings. One of the primary reasons for misdiagnosis is the failure to recognize stroke symptoms early or correctly interpret them during the patient’s initial evaluation.
Common Errors That Lead to Misdiagnosis
- Attributing symptoms to migraine, vertigo, intoxication, or anxiety
- Dismissing patient-reported symptoms due to age or gender bias
- Failing to perform a neurological exam or order appropriate imaging (e.g., CT, MRI)
- Assuming stroke is unlikely if vital signs appear normal
These mistakes often result in ER errors that delay life-saving treatment, such as the administration of clot-busting drugs (tPA) or surgical interventions.
Understanding Stroke and Its Symptoms
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Prompt treatment can minimize brain damage and improve long-term outcomes—but only if the stroke is recognized in time.
Stroke Symptoms
Classic stroke symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Blurred or double vision
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination issues
These symptoms may appear suddenly and vary in intensity. In some cases, strokes present with atypical symptoms, especially in women, such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- General confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
When these signs are overlooked or dismissed, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes—many of which are preventable.
The Standard of Care in Stroke Misdiagnosis Cases
Not every poor medical outcome is legally actionable. To bring a successful medical negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove that:
- A healthcare provider owed a duty of care;
- That duty was breached by failing to meet the standard of care;
- The breach is a cause of injury or death that would not have occurred otherwise.
In stroke cases, this typically means showing that an earlier diagnosis and treatment would have resulted in a significantly better medical outcome.
Our firm works with neurologists, emergency medicine specialists, and radiology experts to carefully review what happened in your case and determine whether medical negligence occurred.
Consequences of Delayed or Missed Stroke Diagnosis
The human brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. A delay of even 15–30 minutes in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage. Depending on the area of the brain affected, stroke misdiagnosis may result in:
- Partial or total paralysis
- Loss of speech or cognitive function
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Loss of independence
- Permanent disability
- Death
Beyond the medical consequences, victims and their families often face immense financial burdens, including:
- Lifelong in-home care
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Loss of income and career
- Modifications to housing and transportation
When these hardships were caused by ER errors or negligent physicians, Colorado law provides legal pathways for compensation.
Hospitals Are Reluctant to Admit Fault
Many patients and families are shocked to learn that even when a clear diagnostic error occurs, hospitals and healthcare providers may refuse to accept responsibility. In fact, stroke misdiagnosis cases are often met with intense legal defense, especially when providers fear liability and reputational damage. That’s why choosing the right legal team matters.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we have built a national reputation for taking on hospitals, medical corporations, and insurance companies in the most challenging and high-stakes malpractice cases. Our attorneys are trial-ready, with some of our case results including some of the largest verdicts in Colorado history for medical negligence.
What to Do If You Suspect Stroke Misdiagnosis
If you or a loved one experienced harm due to a delayed or missed stroke diagnosis, here are the steps you should take:
Secure Medical Records
Request a complete set of hospital and emergency department records, including imaging studies and physician notes. These documents can provide a timeline of symptoms, exams, and treatments.
Consult a Denver Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Because stroke misdiagnosis cases are medically complex and legally technical, it’s essential to work with a law firm that has experience handling malpractice claims, especially those involving neurological injury.
Why Choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
Our firm is not a high-volume operation; we focus exclusively on catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases. We are proud to be recognized as one of Colorado’s premier malpractice firms, with qualifications that include the following:
- Decades of focused experience in medical litigation
- Access to leading medical experts across the country
- A reputation for record-setting jury verdicts
- Relentless attention to detail and preparation
While every case is different, here are just a few of the outcomes we’ve achieved for clients in similar circumstances:
- $17.8 million jury verdict for a child with brain damage caused by medical negligence during delivery
- Successful resolution of multiple stroke misdiagnosis cases involving ER failures and radiology errors
- Confidential settlements for families who lost loved ones due to preventable delays in stroke treatment
Speak With Our Trusted Malpractice Attorneys Today
If you believe a stroke misdiagnosis in Colorado caused lasting harm or loss of life, do not wait. Colorado has strict statutes of limitations that can prevent you from filing a lawsuit if you delay action.
Call Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to schedule a no-charge initial consultation. Our Denver stroke malpractice attorneys are here to answer your questions, review your case, and help you decide the best way forward.