According to UBTM Health, over 140,000 Americans die of a stroke each year. After an initial decline over the past 40 years, stroke death rates are on the rise. Some of these instances of stroke are induced by medical negligence and malpractice, causing catastrophic outcomes for victims and their families.
If you or someone you love has suffered due to mismanaged care that has either caused a stroke or enhanced the severity of a stroke, you may have sufficient reasoning to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Our California medical malpractice attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson have extensive experience with the complexities and traumas involved in this practice area.
Continue reading to understand the scope of stroke conditions resulting from medical malpractice.
The Different Types of Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death for Americans and one of the leading causes of long-term disability. According to the CDC, early medical action is crucial to guaranteeing survival. If medical professionals do not act according to the standard of care they have established with a patient, the results can be detrimental, if not fatal.
Three types of stroke can occur and be caused by medical malpractice:
- Ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents the brain from getting enough oxygen and diminishes brain function.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks within the brain, leaking and causing the brain to bleed.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a smaller-scale stroke that can be a precursor or warning for a potentially larger-scale stroke.
Medical Repercussions of Stroke
Depending on the individual, any pre-existing conditions, or medical concerns, a stroke may cause long-lasting repercussions and severe disabilities. These can be, but are not limited to:
- Aphasia (impaired speech abilities).
- Dysphagia (difficulties either feeding, swallowing, or both).
- Ataxia (inability to control muscles or movement).
- Paralysis.
- Cognitive deficits.
- Vision loss.
- Sensory loss.
- Emotional or psychological problems.
What Is Stroke Negligence?
Stroke negligence is a form of medical malpractice caused by improper treatment or the failure to properly treat a patient. According to The Medical Negligence Experts, examples of stroke negligence may include:
- Delayed paramedic support after calling an ambulance
- Lack of specialist support
- Inadequate monitoring and care after admission to hospital
- Inadequate monitoring of patients on medication
Statute of Limitations
It is crucial to file a stroke negligence claim as soon as possible. California’s statute of limitations requires that a plaintiff file their claim no more than one year from the discovery of the injury or three years from the injury, whichever occurs first. Many factors can complicate a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is crucial to find an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who will represent you with diligence.
Work With Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Bostwick & Peterson have decades of experience handling cases involving stroke-induced medical malpractice. Our personal injury law firm has seen record-breaking results, including a $8,750,000 settlement for a 30-year-old woman with a brain aneurysm who suffered a stroke due to medical negligence.
The attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll catastrophic medical cases can have on the individuals involved. Our experience and empathy guide us to obtaining top results, letting you and your loved ones receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
To start on your path to seeking justice, contact us today to set up a case evaluation with one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys.