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According to the Internet Stroke Center, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the number one lead cause of serious, long-term disability. That is why when a medical professional fails to recognize the warning signs in someone suffering a stroke or at risk of a stroke, the results can be catastrophic—and even fatal.
Stroke malpractice can come in many forms and doesn't just occur at the time the patient is suffering the stroke. It could be because of:
- A diagnosis that was delayed for too long
- Treatment that was delayed for too long
- Being discharged from the hospital before a patient should have been
- The doctor prescribing the incorrect medication
- Not handling treatment correctly
There are warning signs you can look out for in the event you think a loved one may be suffering a stroke—especially if you know they are at risk. Look out for these physical changes:
- Face: Ask the person to smile, is one side of their facing drooping?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and look to see if one is drifting downward.
- Speech: Ask the person to say a simple sentence and listen to see if their speech is strange or slurred.
If you bring them to the hospital and the doctor fails to diagnose the stroke, insist that they don't give up and figure out what is wrong—there's a chance it really is a stroke and you could be the victim of stroke malpractice.
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke in Texas, Oklahoma, or Arkansas and you feel it could have been prevented, contact the medical malpractice lawyers at The Girards Law Firm for a free consultation at 888.333.9709.