Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A person can suffer various medical conditions in an instant. While a heart attack may be the first thing that comes to mind, a stroke can be just as deadly. Just like a heart attack, time is of the essence. You need to seek medical help right away if you want to survive.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This keeps brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. This can lead to brain damage if not dealt with in a timely manner.
If you have been injured due to the failure to diagnose a stroke in a timely manner, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact our Fort Lauderdale failure to diagnose stroke lawyer at Freidin Brown, P.A. to understand your legal options.
Signs of a Stroke
Be aware of these signs of a stroke:
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Sudden, severe headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Not sure if you need to seek medical attention? Use the FAST mnemonic device to see for sure:
- Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?
- Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or is unable to rise?
- Ask the person to talk. Check their speech for slurred words or other anomalies.
- If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Medical Negligence During a Stroke?
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When is Not Diagnosing a Stroke Considered Medical Malpractice?
When a person exhibits symptoms of a stroke, timing is everything. The longer the diagnosis is delayed, the more severe the damage. Unfortunately, not all strokes are diagnosed right away. A person may experience mild symptoms like headache or vomiting may lead to a diagnosis of the flu, but these symptoms are often associated with a stroke.
It is your doctor’s duty to check if you are experiencing the signs of stroke, such as:
- Weakness or loss of sensation on one side of the body
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Difficulty talking
- Loss of vision
An undiagnosed stroke can lead to various issues such as:
- Brain injury
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Loss of motor skills
- Memory problems
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty reading and writing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain
- Changes in behavior
- Depression
- Death
You may be able to file a claim against your doctor if a delayed stroke diagnosis caused you to suffer a worsened condition. Discuss your case with a lawyer today.
Contact Freidin Brown, P.A. Today
A stroke can be a serious medical issue without prompt medical attention. A person can suffer brain damage, disabilities, issues with motor skills, and even death.
To learn more about your legal options, contact Freidin Brown, P.A. Our Fort Lauderdale failure to diagnose stroke lawyers can help you file a claim. Schedule a consultation by calling us today or by filling out the online form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Failure to Diagnose Stroke
Our firm can answer FAQs about failure to diagnose stroke cases in Fort Lauderdale, including:
What if a Fort Lauderdale doctor dismissed my slurred speech as simple intoxication?
Slurred speech is a hallmark stroke symptom often misattributed to alcohol or drug use in emergency rooms. If a Fort Lauderdale medical provider failed to perform a CT scan because they assumed you were intoxicated, Freidin Brown, P.A. can help you hold them accountable for the diagnostic delay.
Can I file a lawsuit if a Fort Lauderdale clinic mistook my stroke for a typical migraine?
Severe headaches are common stroke symptoms often dismissed in younger patients. If a Fort Lauderdale clinic sent you home with pain medication instead of checking for a brain bleed, Freidin Brown, P.A. can help you pursue compensation for the worsening of your condition.
Is a Fort Lauderdale doctor liable for dismissing sudden facial drooping as Bell’s Palsy?
Facial weakness is a critical indicator of a stroke. If a Fort Lauderdale doctor incorrectly diagnosed you with Bell’s Palsy without ruling out a stroke through proper imaging, Freidin Brown, P.A. can determine if this misdiagnosis constitutes a breach of the medical standard of care.
Is it medical malpractice if a Fort Lauderdale doctor dismissed my vertigo as a harmless inner ear infection?
Sudden dizziness or loss of balance is often misdiagnosed as vertigo or an inner ear problem. If a Fort Lauderdale provider failed to recognize these as signs of a cerebellar stroke, Freidin Brown, P.A. can help you recover damages for the missed treatment window.