Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Medical Malpractice Injury Lawyers
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(303) 214-7927Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Injury Attorneys
Blood clots are a serious health issue that can lead to devastating outcomes if not promptly addressed. One of the most severe consequences of a blood clot is pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition that occurs when a clot obstructs an artery in the lungs. While many blood clot-related complications can be avoided with timely and appropriate medical care, failures by healthcare providers to act swiftly or correctly may constitute medical malpractice. At Ramos Law, we fight for patients who have suffered harm due to negligent care.
Why Are Blood Clots Dangerous?
Blood clots are dangerous because they disrupt the normal flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs. When a clot forms in a vein or artery, the consequences can be life-altering or even fatal. Here are some of the severe complications associated with blood clots:
- Pulmonary Embolism(PE): A blood clot that travels to the lungs can block the pulmonary arteries, leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and in severe cases, sudden death. Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Stroke: If a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, it can cause a stroke, resulting in brain damage, paralysis, or even death. Strokes require rapid treatment to minimize long-term effects.
- Heart Attack: Clots that obstruct blood flow to the heart can trigger a heart attack, leading to chest pain, heart damage, or fatal outcomes if not treated quickly.
- Organ Damage: Blood clots that reduce or stop blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, or intestines can result in permanent organ damage or failure.
- Chronic Health Issues: Clots in the veins can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, causing chronic pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Prolonged circulation problems can significantly affect the quality of life.
Understanding the dangers of blood clots underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Healthcare providers have a duty to recognize these risks and take appropriate measures to protect their patients.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
How To Recognize Medical Malpractice Negligence
Recognizing medical negligence in blood clot cases involves identifying instances where healthcare providers failed to meet the standard of care. Key indicators of negligence include:
- Failure to Assess Risk Factors: If a medical provider neglects to evaluate a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, or genetic predisposition to blood clots, they may fail to take necessary precautions.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Not recognizing the symptoms of a blood clot, such as swelling, pain, or difficulty breathing, can lead to delayed treatment and worsening complications.
- Inadequate Preventative Measures: Failing to prescribe blood thinners, recommend mobility exercises, or use compression devices after surgery can leave patients at risk.
- Improper Treatment: Mismanaging a diagnosed blood clot, whether through incorrect medication dosages or insufficient monitoring, can result in severe outcomes.
When these failures occur, patients and their families may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim to hold negligent parties accountable.
How We Prove Medical Malpractice Negligence Cases
Pursuing a medical malpractice claim for a blood clot requires proving that a healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused your injury. This involves demonstrating that the provider failed to assess risks, prescribe preventative measures, or diagnose and treat the clot in time. In Colorado, the burden of proof lies with the patient (plaintiff), who must show that the provider’s negligence was more likely than not responsible for their harm. Claims must be filed within Colorado’s statute of limitations, typically two years from the injury or its discovery, and damages are subject to state-imposed damage caps. Establishing causation and demonstrating the resulting damages—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—is crucial to building a strong case.
Medical malpractice cases rely on four key elements: Duty, Breach of Duty, Causation, and Damages. The plaintiff must prove that the provider had a duty to deliver care, breached that duty by failing to meet the accepted standard of care, and caused harm as a result. These cases often require expert testimony to establish what a competent provider would have done under similar circumstances and how the provider’s actions deviated from that standard. Colorado law also requires an expert certification at the beginning of a lawsuit to verify the validity of the malpractice claim.
Due to the complexity of these cases, partnering with a skilled medical malpractice attorney is essential. An attorney will evaluate your medical records, gather critical evidence such as imaging studies and expert opinions, and ensure all legal requirements are met. They will also negotiate settlements with insurance companies or represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve. Medical malpractice cases are challenging, but with experienced legal guidance, you can hold negligent parties accountable and protect your rights.
The 4 Key Elements of the Burden of Proof
In Colorado, the burden of proof in medical malpractice cases lies with the plaintiff (the person filing the claim). The plaintiff must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not, or greater than 50% likely), each of the following elements:
- Duty: Prove that a valid doctor-patient relationship exists, establishing the provider’s obligation to deliver care.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the provider failed to meet the standard of care expected of a competent professional in their field.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the provider’s actions (or inaction) and the harm suffered by the patient.
- Damages: Show that the breach resulted in physical, emotional, or financial harm, such as medical bills, lost income, or diminished quality of life.
Blood Clot Lawsuit Settlements (Examples)
Here are unique examples of settlements highlighting the range of compensation in blood clot malpractice cases:
- A construction worker in Illinois received $14.5 million after his arterial blood clot was misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and the amputation of both legs below the knee. The court found the healthcare provider failed to act promptly despite clear warning signs.
- The family of a 15-year-old student reached a $3.8 million settlement after a blood clot in his lung was misdiagnosed as pneumonia. The delay in proper treatment resulted in his untimely passing.
- A pharmaceutical company paid $2.1 billion in settlements related to more than 11,000 claims involving blood clot injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, attributed to side effects of their medication.
- A 48-year-old office manager’s family was awarded $1.9 million after a misdiagnosed blood clot in her leg resulted in a fatal pulmonary embolism. The court ruled that the attending physician had ignored critical symptoms and failed to conduct adequate testing.
- A veteran secured a $12.8 million jury award after a misdiagnosed blood clot led to a preventable amputation. The lawsuit revealed a failure to implement proper post-surgical monitoring protocols.
These cases demonstrate the devastating impact of negligence and the wide range of settlements possible. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help determine the value of your claim and ensure accountability for the harm caused.
Common Types of Blood Clots
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, typically in the legs. This condition often develops due to prolonged immobility, such as after surgery or during long flights. DVT is associated with circulation problems and can become life-threatening if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, leading to pulmonary embolism. - Pulmonary Embolism (PE):
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking the pulmonary arteries. This is a medical emergency that can cause sudden death if not treated immediately. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heart rate, requiring urgent medical intervention. - Arterial Clots:
These clots form in the arteries and are often more immediate and dangerous than venous clots. They can lead to heart attacks or strokes, particularly in patients with atherosclerosis. Arterial clots restrict blood flow to vital organs, causing severe and permanent damage if untreated. - Venous Clots:
Forming in veins, venous clots move more slowly and can cause long-term circulation problems. These are more common in individuals with specific medical conditions, such as cancer or clotting disorders.
What Are the Symptoms of a Blood Clot?
Recognizing the symptoms of a blood clot is critical for early intervention. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the clot but commonly include:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
- Swelling, often in one leg.
- Pain or tenderness, which may feel like cramping or soreness.
- Skin discoloration, such as redness or a bluish tone.
- Warmth in the affected area.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE):
- Sudden shortness of breath.
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain, especially when breathing deeply.
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations.
- Lightheadedness or fainting.
- Arterial Clots:
- Severe pain in the affected area.
- Coolness or numbness in a limb.
- Weak pulse or no pulse in the affected area.
- General Symptoms:
- Fatigue or unexplained weakness.
- Dizziness or confusion in severe cases.
Prompt medical attention is essential if any of these symptoms arise, as untreated blood clots can escalate quickly and cause life-threatening complications.
Blood Clot Frequently Asked Questions
Regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged immobility.
Not all clots are life-threatening, but some can lead to serious medical emergencies.
Older adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and those with limited mobility.
It can form within hours to days, depending on underlying conditions.
Colorado Locations
Contact Ramos Law
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a blood clot or pulmonary embolism caused by medical negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. At Ramos Law, our team of skilled attorneys and medical experts will work tirelessly to uncover the truth and secure the compensation you deserve.
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