Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawyers in Orlando
Protecting Your Rights After a Delayed Stoke Diagnosis
Every moment counts when a stroke occurs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to full recovery, but when a stroke goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed too late, it can result in severe disabilities or even death.
Strokes, along with other vascular events like heart attacks, are among the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions, making up a significant portion of all misdiagnoses. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a stroke misdiagnosis in Orlando, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for the harm caused.
What Is Stroke Misdiagnosis?
A stroke misdiagnosis happens when a doctor fails to correctly identify the symptoms of a stroke. This can lead to a missed diagnosis, a less serious diagnosis, or a failure to provide necessary treatment. A delayed diagnosis is also a form of misdiagnosis, and unfortunately, this is all too common for stroke patients. Research shows that a percentage of ischemic strokes were initially misdiagnosed.
What Happens If a Stroke is Misdiagnosed?
If a stroke goes untreated, brain cells begin to die at an alarming rate—approximately 2 million cells per minute. Patients treated within four-and-a-half hours typically receive IV tPA, a medication that helps dissolve blood clots, greatly reducing the long-term effects of the stroke. Without timely treatment, critical damage to the brain can occur, leading to permanent disability or death.
If you or a loved one did not receive a timely diagnosis for a stroke, you may have missed out on the benefits of critical treatment, leaving you at risk of severe, long-term consequences.
Types of Strokes
There are two primary types of strokes:
Ischemic Stroke: This occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, causing oxygen deprivation to brain tissue. If left untreated, the affected area can suffer permanent damage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in the brain. Prolonged bleeding can cause swelling and pressure that may require surgical intervention to prevent further damage.
There are also transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as “mini-strokes,” where symptoms last for a short time. While symptoms may resolve, TIAs are a major warning sign that a full stroke may occur in the future.
Disabilities from an Untreated Stroke
When strokes go undiagnosed or untreated, victims may experience permanent disabilities, including:
Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
Cognitive impairment
Difficulty speaking or understanding language
Mood disorders
Numbness or pain
Difficulty swallowing or eating
Bladder or urinary incontinence
Recovery is possible with rehabilitation, but many disabilities can last a lifetime if treatment is delayed.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Misdiagnosed with a Stroke?
Certain individuals are more prone to stroke misdiagnosis, including:
Non-white individuals
Younger patients
Women
Patients with atypical symptoms like headaches or dizziness
While symptoms like dizziness and headaches can indicate a stroke, they are less common and often overlooked when more typical symptoms (such as numbness or difficulty speaking) are not present. Understanding these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Had a Stroke but Was Not Diagnosed?
If you suspect you’ve had a stroke but were not properly diagnosed, it is critical to seek further evaluation immediately. Damage may still be occurring, and the risk of another stroke is elevated. Seek a second opinion from an emergency room or another healthcare provider.
Can I Sue for a Stroke Misdiagnosis?
Yes, if you have been misdiagnosed or not diagnosed in time, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the healthcare provider or facility responsible. This includes doctors, hospitals, radiologists, and other medical professionals involved in your care. You must prove that the misdiagnosis was due to medical malpractice and that it caused harm.
How Can I Prove Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet a reasonable standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Proving malpractice often requires expert testimony, a review of your medical records, and evidence that the misdiagnosis caused significant harm or prevented proper treatment. At Simmons Law Group, we have access to a network of expert medical professionals who can help strengthen your case.
How Much Can I Recover in a Stroke Misdiagnosis Case?
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the extent of your suffering. On average, victims of stroke misdiagnosis nationwide recover significant compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.
How Simmons Law Group Can Help
At Simmons Law Group, our team of experienced medical malpractice attorneys is committed to helping victims of stroke misdiagnosis in Orlando. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a stroke misdiagnosis, contact Simmons Law Group today for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure justice for your injuries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, including stroke misdiagnosis cases, is generally two years from the date the misdiagnosis occurred or from when the injury was discovered. It is important to act promptly to ensure you meet the legal deadlines. Consulting with an experienced attorney at Simmons Law Group can help you understand the specific timelines for your case.
Yes, if your family member died due to a stroke that was misdiagnosed or not diagnosed in time, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the untimely diagnosis. Simmons Law Group can help guide you through the legal process and help you recover compensation for your loss.
Even if you signed a consent form or waiver, you may still be able to file a lawsuit if the stroke misdiagnosis resulted from medical malpractice or negligence. Consent forms typically acknowledge the risks of medical procedures, but they do not absolve healthcare providers of their responsibility to provide a reasonable standard of care. Simmons Law Group can review your case and determine if you have a valid claim for misdiagnosis or malpractice.
If you have been affected by a stroke misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical costs for long-term care. Non-economic damages can cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Simmons Law Group will help you determine the compensation you may be entitled to based on the impact of the misdiagnosis on your life.
If you experienced a stroke but were misdiagnosed, delayed treatment, or missed out on crucial interventions like IV tPA, you may have a case for medical malpractice. To determine if you have a valid claim, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate your medical records, work with medical experts, and help determine if the misdiagnosis caused harm or worsened your condition. Simmons Law Group can help you evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
