Is undiagnosed dvt grounds for a medical malpractice case?

Answer:

Millions of Americans each year put their trust in doctors to provide them with the best healthcare possible. When a healthcare professional fails to perform their duty to the standard of care required, the injured victim may have grounds to file a malpractice claim. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor actually injures a patient or fails to properly diagnose the patient’s condition.

What is DVT and How is Condition Diagnosed?

A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a person experiences blood clots that form in their veins either in the arms or legs. This can result in a partial or complete blockage of blood flow to the veins and the patient can suffer a pulmonary embolism. If this happens, a blood clot can travel to the lungs causing the patient to suffer a life threatening condition. DVT malpractice occurs when the doctor misdiagnoses the condition as a leg cramp. Patients who suffer from DVT may experience pain and swelling of their legs and redness around the area. To properly diagnose the condition, the following sequence of events should take place:

The doctor should review the patient’s medical history to determine if they are at risk for DVT. Individuals who have varicose veins or suffer from restricted mobility are often the victims of this condition.

A blood test can be ordered along with undergoing an ultrasound examination. Using sound waves, ultrasound technology can measure the amount of blood flow through the patient’s veins.

A venography test may be ordered which is an x-ray that provides an image of the veins in the leg after a contract dye is injected into the patient. This is primarily used to distinguish between blood clots from other obstructions.

When to Consult With a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

It is the responsibility of all medical professionals to administer proper care in treating their patients. A patient may pursue a DVT malpractice case when their doctor misdiagnoses or fails to treat their condition properly. If you have been the victim of less than adequate healthcare, it’s recommended that you consult with a medical malpractice attorney to examine the merits of your case to see if damages can be obtained for your pain and suffering.

References:

DVT Misdiagnosis

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