Wyoming Stroke Malpractice Attorneys
Did a Delayed Stroke Diagnosis Harm You or a Loved One in Wyoming?
It’s crucial to carefully assess a patient’s situation to make sure they receive the correct treatment for life-threatening conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. That’s why there are important procedures and protocols that doctors are required to follow when they screen patients who require emergency medical care.
When a doctor jumps to conclusions instead of cautiously reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history, the results can be devastating. There are countless examples where someone seeking medical care for a severe stroke was told by a doctor to go home and take some aspirin.
Strokes are one of the most commonly misdiagnosed medical conditions, and this causes tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths every year, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
If you or a loved one was harmed by a misdiagnosed stroke in Wyoming, contact the medical malpractice trial attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. We’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.
Call (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is an injury caused by the reduction or interruption of blood flow to the brain. The two most common types of strokes are hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. An ischemic stroke usually occurs when a blood clot blocks the normal flow of blood to the brain.
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Paralysis of the face
- Headaches
- Difficulty walking
- Arm weakness
- Muscle weakness
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
- Loss of coordination
- Altered consciousness
- Inability to understand words
How Doctors Misdiagnose Strokes
One of the most common errors doctors make is confusing a stroke with another medical condition that has similar symptoms. Doctors often assume that one of the following ailments or circumstances is responsible for a patient’s stroke symptoms:
- Vertigo
- Migraines
- Diabetes
- Ear infections
- Intoxication
- Side effects of prescription medication
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
It’s essential for doctors to look at the whole patient and consider all symptoms. Sometimes a doctor may become distracted by a single factor, causing them to miss obvious stroke symptoms. For example, many older patients suffer strokes, and this may cause a doctor to overlook stroke symptoms when they present themselves in a younger patient.
Other medical professionals can also make mistakes that prevent a stroke from being diagnosed in a timely manner. For example, a radiologist might misinterpret an X-ray, or hospital administrators may have created inadequate screening policies.
Medical errors that reduce a stroke patient’s chances of receiving adequate care include:
- Misdiagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Lab errors
- Delayed testing
- Failure to consult a specialist
- Failure to consider the patient’s medical history
- Failure to perform a thorough physical evaluation
Prompt Treatment Is Crucial for Stroke Patients
When a patient is suffering a stroke, time is of the essence. There’s a critical period that begins from the moment a patient first notices stroke symptoms. The sooner the patient gets the correct diagnosis and starts receiving treatment, the better their prognosis will be for recovery.
There’s an enzyme that helps dissolve blood clots called Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA). TPA is time-sensitive and needs to be given in a specific time.
There are also surgical endovascular procedures that can reduce the impact of a stroke. As with medicinal treatments, surgery is more effective when performed as soon as possible.
How Can Your Wyoming Medical Malpractice Attorney Help?
If your doctor failed to deliver the level of care that a reasonably qualified doctor would have provided under the same circumstances, then you may be the victim of medical malpractice.
The Wyoming medical malpractice lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. will conduct a thorough investigation and file a claim against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries.
A medical malpractice claim for delayed treatment will include the following types of damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Long-term care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If somebody’s careless behavior harmed you or a loved one in Wyoming, we’ll file a claim to help you get the money you need to start putting your life back together.
Call (877) 433-3906 to schedule your consultation today. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we’re on your side.
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