Medical Malpractice Involving Pulmonary Embolisms
Many cases involving pulmonary embolisms causing permanent injury or death are the result of a misdiagnosis, or failing to treat the condition properly.
Some examples include:
- Failure to use the proper blood thinning medication to prevent a pulmonary embolism
- Conducting surgical procedures in which a pulmonary embolism is a possible side affect without taking to precautions to prevent it
- Wrongful death caused by providing the wrong medication to treat pulmonary embolisms
The primary threat to the wellbeing of orthopedic surgery patients is the possibility of a pulmonary embolism during or shortly after a bone or joint operation. There is a high degree of risk after these types of surgeries because people are not moving about freely. When handling these types of injuries including death, which are caused by pulmonary embolism, we look to some of the following factors:
- Were the care givers following the doctor's orders and standard preventive procedures?
- Was the patient wearing compression stockings as prescribed to help the rest of the body?
- Was the recommended medication imperative in blood administered at a reasonable standard of care?
- Was the patient monitored for pain in the calf, pain in the chest or back, or any presents of black spots on the legs?
- Was the patient receiving therapy as recommended to promote blood circulation?
