Failure to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism Injury Attorneys

A pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition requiring emergency medical care. In simplest terms, a pulmonary embolism is a clump of material that travels to the lungs and gets stuck in an artery in the lung, which makes it difficult for the lungs to supply needed oxygen to the body. The obstructing material can take many forms: a blood clot, part of a tumor, air bubbles or fat from the marrow in a broken bone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die each year from a pulmonary embolism. The failure to take appropriate steps to prevent a pulmonary embolism or the failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism may constitute medical malpractice.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism developing and doctors should be particularly careful to take preventative measures in the following scenarios:

• Patients who have undergone a surgery lasting more than 2 hours.
• Patients who have experienced prolonged immobility ranging from bed rest to long journeys in cramped conditions.
• Patients who are dehydrated
• Patients with heart disease
• Women who are pregnant
• Cancer patients
• Patients who smoke
• Patients who are overweight
• Patients who use supplemental estrogen

Fortunately, steps can be taken to prevent and treat pulmonary embolism. Preventative measures include TED stockings to keep blood from pooling in the legs, the administration of blood thinners, sequential compression devices to help keep blood flowing freely, physical activity and the administration of fluids. And, once a pulmonary embolism has formed, physicians may be able to address the clot by:

• Administering clot-busting medications
• Administering blood thinners
• Using a catheter to suction out the clot
• Using a catheter to place a filter in the vein which catches the clot before it moves to the lungs
• Performing surgery to remove the clot

If you believe a doctor or hospital failed to take appropriate steps to prevent a pulmonary embolism or failed to diagnose a pulmonary embolism, you need a lawyer who not only understands the law but also the underlying medical issues. John Day is board-certified in Medical Malpractice by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. Because of his vast experience, he also testified before the Tennessee Legislature regarding changes to Tennessee's medical malpractice laws. Best Lawyers has twice named John Day the Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year for Nashville. Because understanding the medicine is so important, we have a nurse on staff full-time to assist with medical questions and issues. And most importantly, we get results – just ask our satisfied clients.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, we encourage you to call our office so that you can understand your legal rights and options. Our award-winning lawyers handle all medical malpractice cases on a contingency basis so we only get paid if we recover money for you. To find out if you have a case, contact us online or call us at one of our convenient Middle Tennessee locations. As always, we will come to you anywhere in the State if you are unable to come to our office for any reason.

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