A stroke is one of the most difficult experiences a patient can endure, and it is a leading cause of death or disability across the world. An acute stroke is also one of the most obvious medical emergencies, and even family members with no medical training should be able to spot them. But what happens when even qualified doctors fail to notice the obvious signs of stroke? What if your senior loved one passed away due to an untreated stroke in a Baltimore nursing home? These tragedies are more common than you might think – and a Baltimore stroke malpractice lawyer may be able to help.
What Are the Signs of a Stroke?
Trained doctors, nurses, and long-term care facility staff should be able to identify the signs of a stroke. These signs are extremely obvious, and they include:
- Numbness on one side of the face or body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding words
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden vision problems
- Sudden, intense headache
If a doctor fails to notice these signs, questions may be raised about medical malpractice. Failure to notice these issues is especially problematic given the need for prompt treatment.
What Happens When Doctors Fail to Treat Someone Having a Stroke?
In the immediate aftermath of a stroke, brain damage can occur relatively quickly. The type of damage depends on the type of stroke (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic). During an ischemic stroke, the brain is starved of oxygen and nutrients due to reduced blood supply. During a hemorrhagic stroke, brain cells suffer damage and death due to increased pressure via bleeding and ruptures.
If treatment does not occur quickly, the patient may die or become permanently disabled. Various medical sources highlight the need for prompt treatment, especially if intravenous (IV) is required. TPA treatment is the most common course of action during an ischemic stroke, but it must be administered within 4.5 hours of symptoms. If doctors wait too long, this treatment can be much less effective.
This failure to treat may lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can help you prove that a doctor waited too long before initiating treatment. They may accomplish this goal by reviewing medical records, questioning witnesses, and gathering other evidence. Remember, healthcare providers must provide relevant medical records if you file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If they fail to disclose these records, they may be forced to comply via court orders.
Can a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help After an Untreated Stroke?
If an untreated stroke has affected you or someone you love, a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help. To discuss potential legal options in more detail, consider a consultation with Furman Honick Law. We have considerable experience with medical malpractice cases in Maryland and can guide you toward the compensation and justice you deserve. Reach out today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.
Sources:
cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html#:~:text=Sudden%20numbness%20or%20weakness%20in,balance%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20coordination.
ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.116.015712