Each year, over 100,000 people in the United States die due to complications associated with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Unfortunately, many of these deaths could have been prevented. If you or someone close to you has suffered adverse health consequences due to DVT or pulmonary embolism complications, you need to contact a seasoned Rochester misdiagnosis attorney who can help. We are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve for your harm.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep vein of the leg. It is possible for such clots to develop in the lower part of the person’s body as well as below the pelvis. While DVT can sometimes resolve on its own, DVT can be life-threatening if the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs – a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolism can be deadly because it blocks the artery in the lung, cutting off the blood supply completely. Medical professionals can administer certain tests to show the presence of blood clots that can indicate DVT. Once DVT is detected, the main goal becomes preventing the clot from reaching the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism.
In New York, medical malpractice occurs when a health care professional, physician, medical institution, or any other health care-associated establishment fails to provide care for a patient in accordance with the generally accepted standards, and the individual is injured or their condition or illness worsens as a result. To establish medical malpractice, you will need to successfully prove the following elements: i) you were under the care of a physician; ii) while you were receiving medical treatment, the physician failed to act as a physician in that specialty should; and iii) you were injured as a result.
Consider the following example. A patient suffering from deep vein thrombosis visits a doctor about some pain and swelling in the leg. The doctor misdiagnoses the symptoms as a mere leg cramp. Approximately a week later, the blood clot becomes dislodged, leading to a pulmonary embolism that ends up killing the patient. In such a scenario, the doctor’s failure to diagnose DVT correctly would form the basis of a malpractice claim.
In New York, medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2½ years from the date of the alleged malpractice. Failing to file a claim within this time frame could mean losing your right to compensation altogether. As a result, time is of the essence in these cases, and working with an attorney who is vigilant about timelines is very important.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical error, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our skilled Rochester misdiagnosis attorneys can examine the facts of your case and determine if malpractice occurred. We understand how to work through these claims and help our clients recover the damages they need to move on with their lives. For a free initial consultation, call us at 833-200-2000or contact us online.
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