Washington Brain Injury Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Attorneys Help Medical Malpractice Brain Injury Victims in Washington
When someone you love requires medical treatment, there’s no room for error. Failure to diagnose a serious disease or providing the wrong treatment may cause a catastrophic brain injury.
This is a devastating event that often results in extreme cognitive and physical impairment. Patients who suffer brain injuries are likely to require a lifetime of assisted living and intensive medical treatment. The Brain Injury Alliance of Washington and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services offer valuable resources to assist people struggling with brain injuries and their families.
If your loved one was injured by an avoidable mistake, then they may be a victim of medical malpractice. The experienced Washington medical malpractice lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. can investigate your case and file a claim against anyone whose negligence contributed to the harm that your loved one suffered.
We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Call (877) 433-3906 to learn more today. You won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice in Washington?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional harms a patient by failing to meet the standard of care. For example, if an OB-GYN neglects to adequately monitor the baby during delivery, it may result in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury that occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen during delivery.
Delivery room HIE can be prevented by administering a timely C-section. To demonstrate medical malpractice in this type of case, a trial attorney can argue that a reasonably competent OB-GYN would have ordered a C-section under similar circumstances.
Hospitals must screen all personnel and ensure their employees have the necessary training and experience to perform their jobs. Anyone working in a hospital, emergency room, delivery room, nursing home, or other type of medical facility can be held liable for medical malpractice, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Hospital administrators
- Pharmacists
- Laboratory technicians
- Hospital staff
Link Between Medical Malpractice and Brain Injuries
Brain injuries that occur in healthcare facilities may have many causes. For example, hypoxia and anoxia are conditions where oxygen to the brain is restricted or completely shut off. A penetration injury that occurs when an external object enters the brain during surgery can also cause injury. If an emergency room doctor fails to promptly diagnose a brain infection such as encephalitis, brain damage can occur.
Any of the following medical errors may cause brain damage:
- A misdiagnosed infection
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum extraction during childbirth
- Medication errors
- Infant jaundice (kernicterus)
- Anesthesia error
- Failure to provide oxygen to a newborn
- Misdiagnosed cardiac arrest
- Surgical error
- Physical abuse
- Hospital falls
- Intubation negligence
- A misdiagnosed stroke
- Misdiagnosed seizure disorder
Understanding the Different Types of Brain Injuries
Surgical errors, treatment delays, and other forms of medical malpractice play a significant role in the severity of the symptoms suffered by brain injury victims. This includes anoxic brain injury, hemorrhagic strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.
An anoxic brain injury is a type of damage that occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes, which can cause significant and potentially irreversible harm. This type of injury can result from several medical scenarios, such as cardiac arrest, complications during surgery, or severe respiratory issues. In medical malpractice cases, anoxic brain injuries are particularly concerning because they often could have been prevented with proper care and timely intervention.
>Hemorrhagic stroke is a form of stroke that occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to spill into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding can cause significant damage, as it not only deprives brain cells of vital nutrients and oxygen but also increases pressure within the skull, leading to further injury. Recovery and rehabilitation depend on the stroke’s location, the amount of brain tissue affected, and the promptness of treatment. In terms of medical malpractice, a hemorrhagic stroke might be linked to errors such as improper medication management or misdiagnosis. Recognizing the signs and ensuring immediate medical attention is critical for anyone experiencing or witnessing the symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. Usually the result of a violent blow or jolt to the head or body, TBIs can also occur when an object penetrates the skull. TBIs are classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on the extent of damage and the level of consciousness of the victim. Understanding the severity and type of brain injury is crucial, as it influences both the immediate treatment and the long-term rehabilitation plan. TBIs often arise due to surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or birth injuries, making it imperative to identify and address these injuries promptly.
How Brain Damage Is a Life-Altering Injury
Brain damage caused by medical malpractice can lead to lifelong physical and cognitive ailments. The patient may even go into a coma. You will want to consult with a Washington brain injury medical malpractice lawyer right away if you notice signs of impairment in your newborn or if you are a patient who has recently undergone medical treatment.
Symptoms of brain damage include:
- Reduced motor function
- Vision loss
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Sleep problems
- Hearing loss
- Speech impairment
- Personality changes
- Reduced intellectual function
What You Should Know About Life with a Brain Injury
Living with a brain injury involves facing physical and cognitive challenges that may persist for the rest of the patient’s life. Physically, individuals may struggle with coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, making daily activities more difficult. Some may experience chronic pain, fatigue, or other symptoms that affect their quality of life.
Brain injuries often impair cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and executive functions. This can profoundly impact the patient’s social interactions and employment opportunities, as the ability to process information and respond appropriately can be compromised. Rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy, can help maximize recovery, but for many, these challenges require long-term management.
The emotional fallout from a brain injury can be as debilitating as the physical and cognitive challenges. Victims may grapple with mood swings, anxiety, and a sense of loss for their pre-injury life. The strain on relationships and the altered sense of self can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
In addition to cognitive and emotional struggles, there’s often a significant financial burden. The costs of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care can be astronomical. Loss of income due to the inability to work compounds the financial strain, making it difficult for families to cope. This economic impact can lead to increased stress, which can further affect mental health.
How Your Washington Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
You’re probably feeling pretty upset and isolated if your loved one was harmed by medical malpractice. It’s important to have someone on your side who understands these issues and will fight to get you the help you need.
The statute of limitations in Washington for a medical malpractice lawsuit is three years. Still, it’s a good idea to find a malpractice lawyer who can begin their investigation as soon as possible.
The experienced Washington trial attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. have won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. We can use the following types of evidence to find out what really happened:
- Medical records
- Interviews with medical staff
- Internal hospital documents
- Testimony from medical experts
- Personnel files
Is There Compensation in Washington for Medical Malpractice?
Patients with brain damage are likely to require intensive medical treatment that generates astronomical medical bills. They may need full-time care just to survive.
Expenses listed in a Washington brain injury medical malpractice claim may include:
- Hospital bills
- Future medical costs
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and ramps
- Time missed from work
- Loss of earning potential
- Speech therapy
- Medication
- Medical devices
- Assisted living care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Rehabilitation and Support Systems for Brain Injury Victims
Providing support and guidance to the affected individual is critical. Family members and caregivers should first ensure that the person receives immediate medical attention to assess the injury’s severity and begin the appropriate treatment. It’s also important to create a supportive environment that accommodates the unique needs of the brain injury victim. This may include making modifications to the home, scheduling regular medical appointments, and engaging with therapists or counselors.
Rehabilitation is a critical component of the recovery process for brain injury survivors. It is a structured program designed to help individuals regain as much function as possible and learn new ways to compensate for abilities that have been permanently altered. Rehabilitation options vary depending on the severity and type of brain injury, with programs often including a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and neuropsychological services.
Rehabilitation can occur in inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics, or even as home-based care, depending on the individual’s specific needs. Assistive technology and adaptive equipment may also be integrated to enhance independence. It’s essential to work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who can tailor a rehabilitation plan to support the individual’s goals, such as returning to work, school, or community activities.
Therapies play a fundamental role in the rehabilitation process for brain injury survivors. Physical therapy helps individuals improve strength, coordination, and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing daily living skills, while speech-language therapy assists with communication challenges. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can address emotional and psychological needs, helping patients cope with changes in their lives.
A patient’s support system consists of family members, friends, support groups, and advocacy organizations. These networks provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of community. They can offer encouragement and share resources that help survivors and their families navigate the complexities of living with a brain injury. Engaging with support networks also helps reinforce the gains made during therapy, helping to ensure that improvements are maintained and built upon outside of the clinical setting.
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Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Washington Give Legal Support
If somebody harmed you, then they should have to pay for it. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we help victims of medical malpractice brain damage in Washington get the money they need to improve things.
Call (877) 433-3906 to schedule an initial consultation today at no charge.
