Failure to Diagnose Stroke Statistics
Statistics show that by the time you have finished reading this sentence, someone in the United States will have suffered from a stroke. This type of medical emergency happens every 40 seconds.
Despite the prevalence of this medical condition, doctors often fail to diagnose a stroke initially. This failure can lead to serious, debilitating injuries and even death.
Continue reading to learn more about the common reasons doctors fail to diagnose strokes and learn more about a victim’s legal options.
Common Causes of Failing to Diagnose a Stroke
Strokes are terrifying medical emergencies that occur when the brain cells suddenly are not receiving enough oxygen. In a way, the brain suddenly malfunctions due to the blockage.
Without prompt intervention, strokes are deadly. A failure to diagnose, even temporarily, can lead to life-long disabilities and serious injuries.
What causes a failure to diagnose a serious stroke? Below are some of the most common factors:
- Confusing stroke symptoms with other conditions
- Failing to recognize or ignoring early warning signs
- Improper analysis of the patient’s health history
- Failure to consider family history of stroke
- Lack of a detailed physical exam
- Failing to order exams that could identify blockages
- Poor working conditions (overworked, tired, distracted)
- Laboratory errors
- Incorrectly analyzing test results
- Failure to consider stroke in younger patients
Are Strokes Preventable?
The medical occurrence of a stroke is not always preventable. The damage caused by a stroke, however, can be prevented when the stroke is recognized in a timely manner.
The consequences for failing to diagnose a stroke are severe. Untreated strokes may cause:
- Death
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Memory issues
- Severe physical pain
- Difficulty reading and writing
- The rapid decline in mental functioning
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Depression, anxiety or social withdrawal
- Difficulty swallowing, eating and drinking
- A complete loss of motor skills
- An overall decline in the quality of life
Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
As described above, there are many reasons why a doctor may fail to diagnose a stroke. In situations where doctor negligence is a factor, it may be possible for victims to pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party.
Victims need to prove three factors to be successful in pursuing a medical malpractice claim:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed at the time of the failure to diagnose
- The doctor’s mistake rises to the legal standard of negligence
- The patient suffered harm due to the doctor’s negligence
Contact a Haddonfield Medical Malpractice Attorney for a Consultation About Your Misdiagnosis Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured due to medical misdiagnosis in New Jersey? Then you need to talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Haddonfield medical misdiagnosis attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of negligent surgeons, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists throughout New Jersey, including Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Voorhees and Marlton. Call us today at 856-317-6558 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
