Deep vein thrombosis is a serious, potentially fatal medical condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of your body, typically in one of the legs. When proper treatment is not administered in a timely manner, these blood clots eventually make their way into the lungs, brain, and heart.
DVT can occur in patients after a surgical procedure, especially if long-term hospitalization is required afterwards. Patients at a San Bernardino medical center may have cause to file a medical malpractice lawsuit if they developed deep vein thrombosis or DVT-related complications due to negligence by a healthcare provider.
Are you in need of legal advice from a deep vein thrombosis medical malpractice lawyer in San Bernardino, California? If so, contact the offices of Normandie Law Firm to receive a free case evaluation.
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Factors that Put You at Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Blood clots in the veins can have numerous causes, but there’s no denying that certain people have a greater risk of blood orders like DVT. People who are most likely to develop deep vein thrombosis include:
- Those who are elderly (over 60 years old)
- Long-term smokers
- Patients who are overweight
- Those with a family history of blood clots
People who were in serious accidents can also develop deep vein thrombosis. We also find that there is a high rate of DVT in nursing home, often as a result of neglect or abuse.
Trauma from an Accident Resulting in DVT
Your body has natural defense mechanisms that promote the healing process when you are injured. These systems can go into overdrive when you get into an accident and lead to the formation of blood clots and other unnatural conditions.
To prevent DVT, it’s essential that you seek medical care right after an accident, and that the medical staff in charge of caring for you keep an eye out for symptoms that indicate DVT. This is particularly important if the patient already has pre-existing medical issues that increase the possibility of blood clots in the veins.
You may want to avoid going to the doctor after an accident, but it’s essential to receive medical attention if you were injured from a fall (slip and fall or trip and fall), or you were hit with a falling object. Car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents, whether you are a pedestrian or motorist, can also put you at risk of serious injuries and life-threatening complications, like deep vein thrombosis.
DVT among Nursing Home Patients
Patients who are elderly and have mobility issues are often diagnosed with DVT, and this is why the condition is so prevalent in nursing homes and geriatric wards in San Bernardino hospitals.
Most cases of deep vein thrombosis in nursing homes are due to restricted blood flow. This is a common side effect of being restricted to one’s bed for prolonged amounts of time. The problem is made even worse when there are not enough staff members, lack of oversight, poor training, and other examples of negligence.
None of these excuses justify neglect and abuse in nursing home settings, particularly when there are easy ways to treat and prevent DVT, like helping patients change positions in bed and wearing compression stockings. Leg exercises and getting up for short walks can also promote blood flow and keep the patient from developing blood clots in the veins.
Medical Malpractice for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis can be prevented for the most part, but unfortunately, medical professionals often fail to recognize symptoms or listen to their patients. This is a common example of medical malpractice at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities in San Bernardino, CA.
As patients, we must rely on educated and trained professionals to tell us when we are afflicted with a certain medical condition. Healthcare providers must also inform patients of the most effective treatments and administer whatever care is needed. When there is a failure to take such measures by doctors and other medical staff, the patient may be entitled to compensation from a medical malpractice claim.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
While symptoms may not be apparent in all patients, there are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis that you should be aware of. Here are the most prominent symptoms that indicate the possibility of abnormal blood clot formations:
- Significant pain
- Unusual swelling
- Redness or other type of discoloration
- Tender or swollen veins
- Skin that feels warmer than usual
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms. With early intervention, DVT is completely treatable with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Dangerous Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis
If DVT goes undetected or the doctor provides inadequate treatment, the patient can end up with severe injuries. Patients can also die from conditions like pulmonary embolism, where the blood clot travels to the lungs and causes:
- Breathing problems
- Increased pulse rate
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Coughing up blood
Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, so please go to the hospital right away if you have any of these symptoms. Those with deep vein thrombosis may also be at risk of:
- Postphlebitic Syndrome – a medical condition where blood flow is restricted by DVT, which can cause limited mobility and necrosis, among other complications
- Stroke – if the blood clot reaches your brain and stops the flow of blood, you can have a cerebral embolism, which accounts for 15% of all strokes. Many of these patients have the condition because of a blood clot that formed in the leg.
Monetary Damages from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
A deep vein thrombosis medical malpractice lawyer can help you obtain the full range of compensation you deserve from the negligent doctor and/or medical facility. Damages we can recover on your behalf may include:
- Medical expenses
- Value of lost income (wages and job benefits)
- Lost earning potential for severe injuries
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Legal fees
Contact Our Law Firm
Normandie Law Firm is proud to represent medical malpractice victims in San Bernardino, including those who are suffering due to undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or improper treatment of deep vein thrombosis.
Our clients never pay out of pocket, as we have a Zero Fee Guarantee. With this policy, the cost of representing you is paid for by the healthcare provider at the same time as your settlement check. That means we make absolutely nothing unless we secure a settlement or favorable jury verdict.
If you are ready to explore your rights and legal options with a California medical malpractice attorney, contact our office to schedule a free case review.
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