Having an undiagnosed condition or facing a sudden health emergency is a frightening experience. With proper preventative care and timely attention from medical professionals, most serious conditions can be caught early and treated effectively. Unfortunately, patients do not always receive the level of care they deserve, and the consequences can be catastrophic.
One such complication is a pulmonary embolism, which is often preventable or treatable with appropriate medical care. If you or a loved one has suffered from a pulmonary embolism and you believe medical negligence was involved, a Charlottesville pulmonary embolism lawyer at MichieHamlett can help. Contact our seasoned medical malpractice attorneys today for the guidance and support you need.
A pulmonary embolism is an incredibly serious condition. Referring to a sudden blockage in the lung artery as a result of a blood clot that breaks loose in another part of the body and then travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can lead to damage to organs as a result of oxygen deprivation, low oxygen levels in the blood, permanent lung damage, and death in severe cases.
Some people are more at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism than are others, and should be closely monitored by their doctors or a hospital as such. These people include pregnant women, those who are having surgery, older persons, those who are obese, bedridden patients, or those who can’t move for long periods of time, and those with certain medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Patients who are at risk of pulmonary embolism require attention and care. The good news is that most pulmonary embolism cases can be treated with the use of anticoagulants or thrombolytics, which are medications to dissolve blood clots. If a pulmonary embolism is detected, there are procedures that can be performed to remove a clot.
Doctors and hospitals have a duty to identify at-risk patients, ensure that patients get the level of preventative care they need, and act quickly if a patient is showing any symptoms of pulmonary embolism, especially if the patient is high-risk. If one or more of these duties to a patient are breached, the hospital or doctor can be held liable for the damages that result. By working with an attorney who understands the medical standard of care and how to prove that a breach has occurred, you can improve your chances of a successful claim.
At the law office of MichieHamlett, we understand how devastating it is when someone suffers harm that could have been prevented with proper medical care. If you have experienced a pulmonary embolism that led to complications, medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, and you suspect malpractice was involved, a Charlottesville pulmonary embolism lawyer from our team can help. For dedicated representation, contact us today or call our office directly for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis and always prioritize our clients’ best interests.