Philadelphia Stroke Malpractice Attorney

Types of Philadelphia Stroke Negligence:

Stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a blood clot or vessel rupture leads to the sudden loss of blood supply and oxygen supply to an area of the brain. Fast and proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing brain damage from the loss of blood circulation and hypoxia during a stroke. Failure to diagnose and/or failure to treat a stroke promptly can result in the patient losing their small window of opportunity to prevent brain damage, disabilities or even wrongful death caused by Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis including stroke birth injury. Strokes can occur in varying degrees of severity from temporary paralysis and slurred speech to permanent brain damage and Philadelphia wrongful death.

Our attorneys handle stroke medical malpractice lawsuits in the following Pennsylvania cities:

• Allentown
• Hazleton
• King of Prussia
• Norristown
• Pittsburgh
• Pottstown
• Scranton
• Wilkes-Barre

There are three main types of stroke:

• The most common type of stroke is ischemic stroke. It occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels to the brain. Sometimes blood stream can be blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. That is why obesity and high cholesterol are the stroke risk factors.
•  A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them. This condition is known as intracerebral hemorrhage. High blood pressure and aneurysm can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Transient ischemic attack is called a mini stroke because it is a sign of future stroke and warming for the patient. Untreated often leads to major strokes in the next few months. It is still a medical condition by itself and it should be diagnosed and treated. Major strokes occurred after TIA could have been prevented.

An experienced Philadelphia stroke attorney at the Trapani Law Firm can help after a stroke malpractice incident or Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis. Call our Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers anytime for a free consultation.

Who is at risk for a Philadelphia stroke?

Anyone can have a stroke at any age. But your chance of having a stroke increases if you have certain risk factors. Some risk factors for stroke can be changed or managed, while others can’t.

Stroke risk factors:

• Lack of physical exercises
• Obesity
• Alcohol abuse
• Caffeine abuse – too much coffee or energy drinks
• Smoking cigarettes
• Old age
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Cardiac structural abnormalities – damaged heart valves
• Climate zone
• History of prior strokes, mini strokes, blood clots, embolism and heart attacks
• Heredity of genetics
• Diabetes

Some people have strokes without realizing it. They’re called silent strokes, and they either have no easy-to-recognize symptoms, or you don’t remember them. But they do cause permanent brain cells damage. However most patients have no signs or symptoms. A Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis attorney can help review your medical records for free.

Most common stroke signs and symptoms:

• Sudden severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
• Slurred speech
• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body
• Dizziness
• Walking difficulties
• Intracerebral hemorrhage visible on CT scan

Less common stroke signs and symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Fainting

Stroke misdiagnosis

Stroke diagnosis includes interviews, physical tests, blood tests and brain scans. First thing after arriving at the hospital with a suspected stroke is to interview a patient and do tests (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, heart rate) to confirm a stroke diagnosis. When a doctor or hospital fails to diagnose a stroke in a timely manner they have committed Philadelphia stroke malpractice or medical negligence. The next step is to do more tests to define a type of stroke and possibly find a reason.

Brains tests

The two main types of scans used to confirm a suspected stroke are a CT scan and an MRI scan. A CT scan can show the bloodstream in the brain. The brain scans can deny a stroke but show another condition causing the neurological symptoms like for example a brain tumor. Every patient with suspected stroke should have a brain scan within 1 hour of arriving at the hospital. Failure to do so is considered Philadelphia medical malpractice. An experienced Philly stroke lawyer can help prove medical negligence by the hospital or doctor.

An early brain scan is especially important for people who:

• Might benefit from medicine to clear blood clots (thrombolysis), such as early anticoagulant treatment
• Might benefit from early provided treatment
• Are already taking anticoagulant treatments
• Have a lower level of consciousness

Ultrasound of the carotid arteries or angiograms (radiology study of the arteries) can be very helpful during a stroke diagnosing process.

Stroke treatment

Effective treatment of stroke can prevent long-term disability and save lives.

The specific treatments recommended depend on whether a stroke is caused by: a blood clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain – ischemic stroke or bleeding in a brain hemorrhagic stroke. This is a doctor’s call to provide a proper treatment. Time is crucial during providing a stroke treatment and failure to treat in a timely manner results in Philadelphia stroke malpractice.

Philadelphia Stroke Medical Malpractice

Sadly stroke medical error can occur on every level of stroke diagnosis and treatment. Doctors are the people we trust with our lives and health. They can make an error affecting patients’ lives and dexterity during the diagnosis, treatment, surgery and even during a post operative care. When an error happens, you should call a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis attorney.

Most common types of Philadelphia stroke malpractice:

• Misdiagnosis with other medical condition
• Lack of diagnosis
• Delayed diagnosis or treatment
• Improper treatment
• Misdiagnosis type of stroke
• Unnecessary surgery
• Surgical error

Most common cases of Philadelphia stroke malpractice occur when hospital employees fail to diagnose the stroke in time or fail to administer the clot-busting drug known as TPA (tissue plasminogen activator). Ischemic stroke occurs when a piece of clotted blood breaks off and travels up the artery, gets stuck, and prevents blood flow to an area of the brain. When blood flow stops to the brain tissues, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and die. The changes that occur to the brain when it is deprived of oxygen are called ischemia. Those damages are often irreversible. There is only a short window of time to administer TPA and break up a clot before major brain cell damage becomes permanent and severe. Delayed in providing TPA meds increases chances of permanent disabilities and loss of dexterity. Every minute is crucial for patients suffering a stroke because brain cells die after 3 minutes of severe hypoxia. Lack of an oxygen supply has a huge impact on patients’ dexterity and life. The time period starts running when a patient’s symptoms first begin, so obtaining that information from the patient or patient’s family members is extremely important. Scientists have proven the effectiveness of TPA medicines is much higher in the first minutes of stroke. A Philadelphia stroke attorney at the Trapani Law Firm will gather and review your medical records for free to see if Philly stroke malpractice occurred.

Long-lasting hypoxia can lead to a coma which has severe side effects by itself. Although many people gradually wake up and recover from a coma, other patients enter a vegetative state or suffer from Philadelphia wrongful death. Many people who recover from a coma end up with minor or severe disabilities. Complications can develop during a coma, including: pressure sores, pain, urinary tract infections, blood clots in the legs, weakness from immobility, muscles atrophy, infection, particularly pneumonia and other lung infections. Almost all of the patients after coma need long and expensive physical therapy and nursing during the recovery. A Philadelphia stroke lawyer can help your family receive the financial support needed in this difficult time after a stroke misdiagnosis in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by sudden bleeding in the area of the brain. There are a few methods of treating patients suffering hemorrhagic stroke.

Stroke Treatment Options Include:

• Emergency measures
• Surgery
• Surgical clipping
• Coiling (endovascular embolization)
• Surgical AVM removal
• Stereotactic radiosurgery

Hemorrhagic stroke malpractice includes delayed treatment or surgery, delayed diagnosis caused death of several brain cells and surgical errors. This kind of stroke can be treated effectively by surgeries, unfortunately surgical errors are still common in hospitals across Pennsylvania. Mistakes occurring during the surgeries can cause severe conditions and temporary or permanent disabilities.

Common severe and life threatening stroke postoperative complications:

• Massive bleeding
• Massive blood loss
• Brain vessel damage
• Brain tissue damage
• Brain cells death
• Aneurysm
• Blood clots
• Hematomas
• Brain embolism
• Paralysis
• Philly Wrongful Death

Patient’s condition may be more severe than before the surgery. Hemorrhagic stroke surgeries can be life saving or fatal for the patient. Delayed surgeries can be less effective or do not help patients at all. The time window for starting surgical treatment of hemorrhagic stroke is short. Delays occur because of crowded emergency rooms, delayed diagnosis, operating rooms already booked for other surgeries, lack of surgeons available, lack of proper medical equipment or medicines or delayed tests results.

Stroke misdiagnosis in Philadelphia Hospitals

Sadly, a number of patients suffering stroke and needing emergency medical attention are misdiagnosed. Philadelphia strokes most often impact older patients, usually people over the age of 50. Strokes are more often found in men, rather than women. This means many doctors in ambulances or in the emergency rooms have biases when it comes to who can suffer a stroke. Oftentimes, if a patient outside the risk group seeks emergency help while displaying the signs of a stroke, will be misdiagnosed and sent home with prescribed painkillers. Doctors often refuse to do further tests which would confirm the diagnosis of a stroke. Earliest signs and symptoms of stroke are often severe headaches, weakness and numbness. Those are common signs of other, less severe medical conditions.

Common conditions misdiagnosed as a stroke in Philadelphia hospitals:

• Vertigo
• Migraines
• Migrainous aura
• Inner ear disorders
• Epilepsy
• Dementia
• Bell’s Palsy

Common causes of stroke medical malpractice such as stroke misdiagnosis are:

• Doctor’s negligence
• Negligent patient medical interview
• Too little medical research, lack of tests ordered
• Lack of proper diagnostic equipment or methods
• Inexperienced medical stuff
• Crowded emergency rooms in Philadelphia hospitals

Philadelphia stroke malpractice statistics

How many people died or been seriously injured due to Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis? How often is stroke misdiagnosed?

Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis may lead to severe, life-threatening and life-altering consequences for the patients. How many patients suffer after stroke misdiagnosis yearly? It is not easy to settle on an exact number of Philadelphia stroke malpractices, because lots of cases stay undetected. 

However, medical reports show that an estimated 371,000 people die every year following a misdiagnosis, and 424,000 are permanently disabled — a total of 800,000 people suffering “serious harm” in the USA. Severe injuries after misdiagnosis include: life-altering disabilities, walking difficulties, severe chronic pain, mental disorders due to prolonged stress and suffering, brain injuries, and blindness among others. 

Errors in diagnosing a set of five conditions, including stroke, sepsis, pneumonia, venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in a vein), and lung cancer, are associated with nearly 40% of severe outcomes, such as death and permanent disability. These relatively common diseases are frequently missed, leading to significant harm. 

Stroke, identified as the primary cause of serious harms in the report, is a prevalent condition with a heightened risk of severe outcomes and a higher-than-average rate of misdiagnosis. In the United States, approximately 950,000 people experience a stroke annually, and it is missed in around 18% of cases, resulting in about 94,000 serious harms each year, according to the report.

As we can see, a terrifying number of people die or sustain irreversible injuries, including  brain damage due to stroke misdiagnosis yearly. Is there anything you can do to protect yourself or your family and prevent Philadelphia stroke malpractice? Yes, do not miss doctor appointments and avoid smoking, drinking, chronic stress and unhealthy diet. Healthy lifestyle and consulting early signs and symptoms of strokes may prevent a significant number of Philadelphia stroke malpractices. 

If you or your loved one already suffer injuries due to Philadelphia stroke malpractice, contact Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawyer immediately. We will help you to seek the highest possible compensation which can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation and provide the best care after Philadelphia stroke malpractice.

Philadelphia stroke malpractice claim

Victims of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis and other stroke medical errors struggle with many difficulties and losses. Severe conditions and disabilities caused by Philadelphia stroke medical malpractice affect the patient’s family as well.

• Common loses and costs for patient struggling with stroke medical malpractice:
• loss of wages
• loss of employment
• loss of ability to return to employment
• loss of ability to live independently
• mental losses: anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder
• long rehabilitation and recovery
• medical bills for long hospital stay, medical procedures and medicines
• nursery at home or nursing care in a facility

No matter what caused the Philadelphia stroke malpractice, the victims and their families are entitled to sue the doctor and hospital. Philadelphia medical malpractice cases include stroke misdiagnosis, lack of stroke diagnosis, stroke malpractice, delayed stroke medical and surgical treatment and lack of proper treatment. Victims suffering physical disabilities and mental issues caused by healthcare providers’ negligent or reckless actions can file a Philadelphia malpractice lawsuit settlement. Hospitals and their insurance companies are responsible for all losses caused by stroke malpractice errors.

Philadelphia Stroke Attorney

Why should I hire a stroke medical malpractice lawyer?

All stroke misdiagnosis victims are entitled to recover their damages. Patients who suffer from Philadelphia stroke medical malpractice or their loved ones can file a lawsuit against a healthcare provider. However there are some conditions required to claim compensation. Hiring a Philadelphia stroke attorney is a time-saving, money-saving and comfortable option for stroke medical malpractice victims. Trapani Law Firm Philadelphia stroke lawyers are experienced in similar cases, they know how to deal with other lawyers, judges, jury in the court, doctors and witnesses. Our stroke malpractice attorneys know insurance companies’ tricks and know how to collect valid proof of Philadelphia hospital negligence. Our experience in stroke malpractice cases gets the highest possible compensations for our clients. In case of a patient’s wrongful death from stroke malpractice our attorneys help the deceased’s family to file Philadelphia wrongful death lawsuit.

How Common Are Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis Cases?
Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis is unfortunately more common than most people realize. It is estimated that up to 13% of strokes are misdiagnosed or missed entirely, particularly in younger patients or those with less typical symptoms. A Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis can be deadly, as early treatment is crucial for survival and minimizing damage. In the U.S., approximately 100,000 patients suffer from Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis each year, leading to thousands of preventable deaths. Over a decade, these numbers translate to a staggering loss of life due to Philadelphia stroke medical malpractice and diagnostic failures nationwide.

Who Is Entitled to File a Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawsuit?
Individuals who have suffered due to Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, or their legal guardians in the case of minors or incapacitated victims, are entitled to file a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis lawsuit. If a loved one is unable to pursue legal action, a family member or legally-appointed representative can seek justice on their behalf. The lawsuit aims to hold negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm caused by their failure to recognize and treat a stroke properly, and it can help recover compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis
If your loved one passed away due to a Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis, surviving family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent, can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of death. The lawsuit can cover damages such as funeral expenses, lost income, medical bills, and compensation for emotional pain and suffering. Seeking justice through a Philadelphia stroke medical malpractice wrongful death claim ensures that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence and the preventable loss of life.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Philadelphia Stroke Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice, including Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis cases, is generally two years from the date the patient became aware of the misdiagnosis. However, this timeframe can be extended in certain cases if the personal injury or consequences of the misdiagnosis were not immediately evident.

Determining If You Experienced a Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis
Symptoms of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis may not always be immediately obvious, and some consequences, such as cognitive impairments or physical disabilities, may only become apparent months or years after the initial hospital stay. If you suspect that your stroke was misdiagnosed, it’s essential to consult with medical professionals and legal experts to evaluate your case. Even if the signs of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis are delayed, you may still be entitled to file a lawsuit and seek justice for the harm caused by negligent medical care. The Trapani Law Firm can help determine whether you have grounds for legal action and guide you through the process of holding the responsible parties accountable.

The Trapani wrongful death law firm works on the basis of a contingency fee – that is, we only get paid if we are able to recover your damages and only after you have been financially compensated. People who hire personal injury attorneys statistically receive higher compensation in their settlements. Even after paying the stroke lawyer’s fees, they still walk away with more money than they would have received without a stroke attorney. Victims of Philadelphia stroke medical malpractice should focus on their recoveries, keep calm and let the Trapani Law Firm attorneys fight for them.

Recovery after Philadelphia stroke malpractice is a tough time for victims and their family members so we offer free consultations online (via phone call, Messenger, Whatsapp, Zoom etc) anytime you need. A Trapani Law Firm stroke attorney can meet you in one of following hospitals in Philadelphia: Jefferson Torresdale Hospital 10800 Knights Rd 19114, Mercy Catholic Medical Center – Mercy Philadelphia 501 S 54 St 19143, Jeanes Campus – Temple University Hospital 7600 Central Ave 19111, Hahnemann University Hospital 230 N Broad St 19102, Temple University Episcopal Campus 100 E Lehigh Ave 19125 and Jefferson Frankford Hospital 4900 Frankford Ave 19124.

Contact a Philadelphia Stroke Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke due to medical malpractice, contact an Philadelphia stroke personal injury lawyer at The Trapani Law Firm for a free consultation by calling (610) 351 – 2330 or contact us.