When individuals present concerning symptoms to a medical professional, they expect thorough attention and accurate diagnosis. Regrettably, this is not always the reality, and when deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops, it can lead to severe consequences, including disability and potentially fatal outcomes.
A failure to diagnose DVT in a timely manner can result in a range of symptoms and may even progress to a pulmonary embolism. Even if the patient survives, they face an elevated risk of recurrence and must cope with a diminished trust in medical practitioners. Fortunately, compensation may be available to cover additional expenses and address the mental distress caused by the ordeal.
In This Article:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Misdiagnosis Lawyers
- What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of DVT?
- What Causes DVT Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis?
- Recovering Compensation with a DVT Misdiagnosis Lawsuit
- Helping Patients after DVT Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Misdiagnosis Lawyers
When we express concerning symptoms to a physician, we anticipate thorough attention and an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality, and when deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops, it can lead to disability and even death.
A failure to promptly diagnose deep vein thrombosis may result in severe symptoms or even progress to a pulmonary embolism. Even if the individual or their loved one survives, they face an elevated risk of recurrence and must grapple with a diminished trust in medical professionals. Thankfully, compensation may be available to cover additional expenses and address the mental distress caused by the ordeal.
If you require the assistance of a medical malpractice attorney, our law firm is here to help. The William Pager Law Firm offers New York medical negligence victims and opportunity to obtain financial compensation and support when confronted with the unimaginable.
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What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot forming in one or multiple deep veins within the body, typically manifesting in the legs and occasionally presenting without noticeable symptoms.
Individuals with pre-existing clotting disorders face the greatest risk of DVT. Additionally, prolonged periods of bed rest, extended periods of sitting while working or traveling, or recent surgical procedures also elevate the risk of developing this condition.
Other risk factors for DVT include:
- Age: DVT is most likely to affect people over 60. However, you can develop DVT at any age if you have other risk factors.
- Pregnancy: Being pregnant places additional pressure on your legs and hips, which leave you vulnerable to DVT. This vulnerability increases if you have a family history of blood clots.
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy: Both types of medication affect blood-clotting ability.
- Obesity: Like pregnancy, extra body weight adds pressure to your legs and hips, increasing the chances of blood clots.
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop clotting disorders than non-smokers are.
- Cancer: Some types of cancers affect blood clotting and circulation. Even if your cancer does not have this effect, your cancer treatment may leave you exposed to DVT.
- Heart issues: If you have heart failure, your heart function decreases and increases your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Your symptoms are also more noticeable if you have a heart condition.
- Inflammatory bowel conditions: Those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis face a greater risk of DVT.
- Family history: If you or a family member suffered DVT or a pulmonary embolism, you are at greater risk of developing DVT. In addition, genetic conditions, like factor V Leiden, make blood clots more likely. While genetics alone does not expose you to DVT, it can increase your risk if you present any other risk factors.
When DVT is misdiagnosed and untreated, it may result in a pulmonary embolism (PE). This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the blood clot in your leg or other body part travels to your lung. There, it blocks your lung’s blood vessels and makes oxygen absorption difficult.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of DVT?
Approximately 350,000 to 600,000 patients develop DVT every year.
Common symptoms of DVT include:
- Swelling in the affected limb
- Leg pain that feels like cramps or soreness. It often starts in the calf.
- Fatigue
- Red or discolored skin on the affected limb
- Visible veins
- Warmth in affected limb
If there is suspicion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your doctor or healthcare provider should conduct thorough tests, particularly if you exhibit any risk factors. Diagnosis typically entails an ultrasound examination of the affected limbs to assess blood flow. Usually, an ultrasound along with a D-dimer test are considered adequate. The D-dimer blood test identifies proteins generated by blood clots. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate a potential pulmonary embolism (PE). Additional diagnostic procedures may involve venography (a vein x-ray) or an MRI scan.
Once diagnosed, medical professionals treat DVT with blood thinners. If the clot is severe or in the early stages of a PE, doctors prescribe clot busters. Patients who cannot take blood thinners may have filters and stents injected into their veins. The filter prevents clots from traveling to the lungs.
There are cases where patients present no signs of DVT.
In those cases, they may report to medical professionals when they face PE symptoms:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply or cough
- Light-headed or dizzy feelings
- Fainting
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing up blood
A PE can be fatal. However, you raise your chances of survival if you report to the emergency room right away.
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What Causes DVT Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis?
The challenge with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) lies in its frequent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis by doctors, both of which pose significant risks. DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) together contribute to approximately 100,000 deaths annually and are significant contributors to sudden death.
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common occurrences due to the resemblance of DVT to other, less serious medical conditions.
A doctor may confuse DVT for:
- Sprains and strains
- Common muscle pain after activity
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- General immobility
Furthermore, doctors often overlook a patient’s risk factors when assessing for DVT. For instance, if a patient presents symptoms of DVT and has a history of heart failure, it is imperative for the doctor to conduct ultrasounds and blood tests to rule out DVT. However, there are numerous instances where doctors assume the symptoms are indicative of something else, putting patients at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
The gravest consequence of misdiagnosis is death, as PE is frequently fatal. Additionally, patients may experience Post-Phlebitic Syndrome, characterized by persistent leg swelling, leg ulcers, discoloration, and reduced mobility. In severe cases, patients may face amputation or permanent varicose veins if symptoms worsen.
Recovering Compensation with a DVT Misdiagnosis Lawsuit
Doctors must conform to a standard of care when diagnosing medical conditions.
You may have a malpractice and personal injury claim for DVT misdiagnosis if your doctor:
- Fails to run the correct tests
- Never performs an ultrasound on your legs or other affected limbs
- Provides the wrong treatment
- Misreads test results
- Fails to follow up on test results
- Delays diagnosis until you or a loved one develops a PE
- Fails to fully consider a patient’s medical history, including a history of DVT
If these mistakes occur and the patient survives, it is a personal injury claim. The patient pursues damages due to the injury and additional expenses. However, if medical malpractice results in death, a patient’s loved ones have a wrongful death claim.
Compensation is similar whether you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Your settlement amount depends on economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are documented and straightforward.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills from additional treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity (if DVT causes disability)
- Future medical expenses (if DVT causes disability)
- Costs for needed services (if DVT causes disability)
- Loss of financial support (wrongful death)
- Funeral expenses (wrongful death)
- Final illness medical expenses (wrongful death)
Noneconomic damages are subjective and depend on the individual. They are often difficult to put a monetary value on noneconomic damages because we do not objective evidence like statements or paystubs. These damages rely on a patient’s outlook, experience, and testimony
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship (wrongful death)
Medical malpractice holds individual doctors responsible. However, if you received treatment in a hospital emergency room, the hospital may also be responsible. When our medical malpractice lawyers take your case, we investigate all of these possibilities to ensure maximum compensation.
Why Choose The William Pager Law Firm?
For over 23 years, The William Pager Law Firm has distinguished itself through a steadfast commitment to actively listen to and thoroughly understand the experiences of our clients. Our dedication to aggressively seeking just and appropriate compensation for those injured in New York is unwavering.
- Empathetic Listening: We prioritize your recovery, ensuring empathetic listening and maintaining clear, consistent communication to effectively advocate on your behalf.
- Pressure Alleviation: Trust us to lift the burden off your shoulders. We meticulously gather every detail of your case and skillfully negotiate with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing.
- Strategic Advocacy: Our approach to your case and representation is never casual but always intentional and strategic, tailored to meet your needs through our extensive experience.
- Unyielding Commitment: Our drive doesn’t fade with fatigue; we persevere until we achieve the desired outcome.
Concentrate on your recovery; let The William Pager Law Firm handle the rest, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.