What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one or more arties of a person’s lungs. In most cases, pulmonary embolisms are caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from another part of the body. A common situation is where a blockage in the leg, known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), travels through the blood vessels to the lung, which results in a pulmonary embolism.
What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?
Common signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include the following:
- Sudden and unexplained shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Rapid breathing.
- Sweating.
What are symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis?
Common signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include the following:
- Painful and/or swollen leg.
- Redness along with the pain/swelling.
- Dilation of surface veins.
- Burning or increased warmth in the swollen area.
How does a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed?
Failure to treat a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis can result in death, so doctors and medical professionals are expected to proceed with caution when a patient presents with the above symptoms. Unfortunately, doctors do not always thoroughly screen their patients and this can result in the following:
- Failure to recognize classical symptoms of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
- Failure to administer blood thinner medication or other prophylaxis.
- Failure to thoroughly evaluate a patient’s medical history, including any weight and/or circulatory issues.
- Failure to order appropriate tests, including blood tests, CT scans, and ventilation/perfusion scans.
How can an attorney help me or my loved one if a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis was misdiagnosed?
Pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, and similar blood clots happen to millions of citizens each year, with the vast majority of them receiving the adequate treatment and/or prevention. However, if you were evaluated by a doctor who failed to recognize this condition, and you suffered additional injury, then an experienced medical malpractice attorney is needed to evaluate your case, protect your rights, and insure that you receive all that you are entitled to.
The attorneys of Lopez McHugh have the knowledge and resources to fight for financial compensation and to protect your financial interests. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex medical malpractice lawsuits.
You should contact the lawyers at Lopez McHugh without delay because every state has deadlines for when compensation may be pursued. The attorneys of Lopez McHugh will thoroughly investigate your case and advise you of the merits and challenges involved. Contact us now for an initial consultation, free of charge. If we agree to accept your case we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means that we get paid for our services only if there is a recovery by way of settlement or verdict.
