Strokes are serious medical events that can cause brain damage and even death. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This means the brain is not getting oxygen and important nutrients, causing brain cells to die.
A stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to seek prompt medical treatment to prevent brain cell death.
When doctors fail to recognize the signs of a stroke or don’t perform appropriate treatment, they can be sued for medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or death from a stroke that could have been prevented, contact a Baltimore stroke lawyer from Furman | Honick Law. Schedule a consultation with our office today.
Symptoms of a Stroke
The most common symptoms of a stroke include:
- A sudden, severe headache accompanied by vomiting may indicate a stroke.
- Vision problems. A person experiencing a stroke may have double vision or blurry vision in one or both eyes.
- Mobility issues. A person may have trouble walking and may be stumbling. They may experience loss of coordination and feel dizzy.
- Trouble with speech. A stroke victim may have trouble talking as well as understanding what others are saying.
- Paralysis or numbness. A stroke can cause sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body, typically in the face, arms, or legs. Also, you may notice that one side of your mouth droops when you try to smile.
A stroke can have serious long-term effects. It can also cause significant physical and emotional pain as well as take away your ability to work.
When is it Medical Malpractice?
Not all strokes are the result of medical malpractice. However, if doctors fail to recognize the warning signs listed above and identify the risk factors, then they can be held liable for a stroke.
The most common risk factors for a stroke can be classified as medical risk factors and lifestyle factors. Medical risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (above 120/80)
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Family history of stroke
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Lifestyle risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle/lack of activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug use (especially cocaine and methamphetamine)
When a stroke occurs, every minute counts. Doctors need to act quickly. Once the symptoms start, the first 4.5 hours are critical. If your doctor can restore blood flow to the brain during that time, you have a strong chance of avoiding long-term effects.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
A stroke is a serious medical event that can lead to brain damage or death if not treated in time. If your doctor failed to notice the warning signs and you suffered serious medical issues from a stroke, you could file a lawsuit.
Strokes can lead to medical malpractice in some cases. Contact the team at Furman | Honick Law to learn more. We can assess your case and help you understand the next steps. Schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore stroke lawyer. Fill out the online form or call (410) 844-6000.