Misdiagnosed Pulmonary Embolism Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

There are three places in the body where a blood clot or other type of blockage can become life-threatening: the brain, the heart, and the lungs. Blood clots can cause problems in other areas of the body, but you are at immediate risk of dying if a blood clot creates a blockage in these areas. If there were adequate warning signs of an embolism and your physician did not diagnose it, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Contact a skilled Pittsburgh failure to diagnose pulmonary embolism lawyer to find out.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blockage prevents blood flow to the lungs. While blood clots are the most common cause of these blockages, air bubbles and other substances may also cause life-threatening blockages. Lung functionality is what replenishes our blood supply with oxygen. Without this key element, human brains and hearts cannot function properly. Unless a pulmonary embolism is quickly treated, the result could be brain damage or even death.

For answers to frequently asked questions about PA medical malpractice claims, including claims for failure to diagnose pulmonary embolism, see the Matzus Law, LLC medical malpractice FAQ page.

Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include a bloody cough mixed with phlegm, chest pain that may feel similar to a heart attack in some individuals and may get worse with each inhale, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms which may or may not be present in all individuals include sweating, fever, dizziness, and limb swelling. Anxiety may also be present because these symptoms tend to cause fear and concern in many patients. If any of these symptoms are present, it is reasonable to conduct testing to rule out a pulmonary embolism and possibly a heart attack. Patients who suffer from the condition should not be released from observation, and there are several warning signs that should clue in medical professionals as time passes that a pulmonary embolism may be a factor. Health care facilities can improve recognition of pulmonary embolism by considering a patient’s medical history, risk factors, and the manifestation of symptoms.

Common risk factors for the condition include:

• Recent hospitalization, trauma, or surgery
• Previous diagnosis of pulmonary embolism
• A recent long period of sitting or resting
• Hormonal birth control
• Smoking
• Lifestyle factors including diet and exercise
• Certain infections

Failing to recognize the signs and risk factors in time to run the appropriate diagnostic tests may be considered negligent in some cases. Some of these signs are extremely overt and should be recognized by any reasonable health care practitioner. Others may be confused with many other diagnoses that may delay treatment. The line between a legitimate medical fallacy and medical malpractice is drawn at whether or not another physician could have reasonably drawn the appropriate conclusion given the circumstances. If he or she could, then negligence may be to blame for the inadequate response and you’ll need the help of a pulmonary embolism lawyer with medical malpractice experience.

Contact Matzus Law Today

Depending on where the blockage is and when it is recognized, the time to act to save a person’s life may be short. Emergency surgery is often required, and untreated blockages almost always result in death. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injury or death as a result of pulmonary embolism, you may want to investigate the reason why the condition was not diagnosed or treated sooner. Our Pittsburgh failure to diagnose pulmonary embolism lawyer can help you determine if taking legal action is the right way to handle your situation and help you secure justice. Financial compensation will not change your physical outcome, but it can help you fund future treatments and get back to your life. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable. Contact our office in Pittsburgh for a free case evaluation today.