Pulmonary embolisms are blood clots which pose significant health risks. Frequently, these clots can be treated when properly diagnosed. However, a failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism or a failure to treat the problem can lead to doctor liability.
What is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that arises in the lungs. Typically, a pulmonary embolism is due to blood clots which travel to the lungs from other areas of the body. Many times these clots originate in the legs.
Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism
The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism vary, but include the following:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- chest pain
- wheezing
- swollen legs
- irregular heartbeat
- weak pulse
- fainting
How a Pulmonary Embolism Can Arise
There are various ways a pulmonary embolism can arise. These causes include family history, immobility, medical conditions (such as pregnancy, cancer or heart disease) or one’s lifestyle (such as obesity or smoking). However, surgery may also lead to a pulmonary embolism.
During surgical procedures, tissue or other debris can enter into the blood stream and cause a blood clot. This can lead to the formation of a blood clot. Moreover, when one is immobile during and after surgical procedures, this can lead to blood clots. Finally, in instances of hip and knee joint replacement surgeries, the preparation of the bones can frequently lead to fragments of tissues entering the bloodstream; this can lead to the development of a pulmonary embolism.
Doctor Liability for a Pulmonary Embolism
Occasionally, a physician may be liable for a patient’s injuries or death due to a pulmonary embolism. This liability can be based upon various theories. For instance, the physician may be found liable based upon any of the following:
- failure to recognize the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism
- misdiagnosis of a pulmonary embolism
- mistreating a pulmonary embolism
- failure to perform the proper test for diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism
- failure to monitor the patient for a pulmonary embolism
Damages in a Pulmonary Embolism Case
In the event that a physician is found liable in a pulmonary embolism case, the patient or patient’s representative may be able to obtain a wide range of damages, depending upon the particular laws of the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. Damages may include the following:
- compensatory damages (to compensate the victim)
- punitive damages (to punish and deter the wrongdoer)
- pain and suffering
- loss of enjoyment of life
- loss of future income
- loss of employment
- medical bills
How an Attorney Can Help
In the event that one has suffered a pulmonary embolism or one has lost a loved one due to such a pulmonary embolism, one may seek to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review and assess one’s case in order to determine whether negligence has occurred. Moreover, the attorney can direct one towards the appropriate course of action. Finally, an experienced attorney can assist in obtaining the compensation one deserves in order to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
