Compensation for Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis Delays
A timely diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism can save the patient's life. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can be fatal and may justify a claim for compensation.
A pulmonary embolism
Treating a pulmonary embolism can be an emergency. Even where this is not the case, the sooner a diagnosis is achieved and treatment initiated, the better the outcome for the patient is likely to be.
Without diagnosis, a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, can cause the death of the patient.
Signs and symptoms which might indicate a pulmonary embolism would include pain in the chest, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood.
A pulmonary embolism is sometimes caused by a blood clot which has travelled from elsewhere in the body. The patient may already be suffering from deep vein thrombosis, often in the leg. This fact could also be an indicator that the patient's symptoms are due to a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the patient may also be exhibiting signs of DVT such as pain, swelling, tenderness and redness in the leg.
Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis
Early diagnosis of DVT can prevent the development of pulmonary embolism. A failure to diagnose DVT when the opportunity was there to do so may be regarded as negligent.
Patients who are already in-patients in hospital who may be undergoing surgery or whose condition requires them to be immobile for a period of time are also susceptible to the development of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Not only do such patients need to be closely monitored and regularly moved, but their at-risk status should be taken into account if they start to show signs of DVT or pulmonary embolism.
Medical negligence
Failing to recognise the symptoms of DVT or pulmonary embolism may be regarded as negligent. Failing to take steps to minimise the risk of these conditions in hospital in-patients may also be regarded as negligent.
If the patient suffers a poor long-term outcome due to a failure of prevention, diagnosis or treatment of DVT and pulmonary embolism, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Seek legal advice
Compensation claims for medical negligence are complex and require the skills of specialist lawyers.
Speak to Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims, if you or a loved one have been affected by a failure to diagnose DVT or a pulmonary embolism.
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