Medical Negligence and Brain Ischemia
Brain ischemia, or an ischemic stroke, occurs when the brain does not receive sufficient blood. This type of condition often arises due to an untimely response by a healthcare provider and may result in exorbitant medical costs and a significant decrease in the victim’s quality of life. However, these injuries are often complicated, as they involve complex medical and legal issues.
If you or a loved one suffered an ischemic brain injury, contact us at (412) 661-1400. A Pittsburgh brain ischemia lawyer from our team can review your claim and determine if you have a viable cause of action.
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Start A Free EvaluationCauses of Brain Ischemia
There are two main types of brain ischemia: focal cerebral ischemia and global cerebral ischemia. Focal cerebral ischemia occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel, so there is less blood flow to a particular region of the brain. This can cause more cell death in the affected area and may result in significant injuries to the victim.
Global cerebral ischemia occurs when there is no or a decreased amount of blood flow to the entire brain. This condition usually arises after a heart attack. If blood flow can be quickly restored, the overall effect on the victim may be minimal. However, if this blood flow is not quickly restored, the victim may suffer permanent brain damage.
Ischemia can result from an underlying health condition, such as a congenital heart defect or sickle cell anemia, or factors caused by others, such as medical malpractice. A medical malpractice lawyer can thoroughly review medical records and other evidence to determine the potential causes of your brain ischemia.
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Contact Us Now For HelpSymptoms of Brain Ischemia
According to MedlinePlus, some common symptoms of brain ischemia include:
- Weakness in one or more limbs
- Numbness or weakness of the face
- Difficulty speaking, seeing, or moving
- Temporary blindness or double vision
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or vertigo
If you or your loved one is suffering these symptoms and you suspect brain ischemia, seek medical attention immediately.
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Brain ischemia can result in other serious medical conditions, including:
- Cardiac arrest
- Irreversible brain damage
- Cognitive problems
- Sensory problems
- Gross or fine motor problems
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In some instances, medical malpractice can cause brain ischemia. For example, this injury can occur during pregnancy or childbirth in the following situations:
- Failure to perform a timely C-section
- Strangulation by the umbilical cord
- Preeclampsia
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Placental abruption
These injuries can be life-altering to babies and may result in serious consequences, including:
- Lowered IQ
- Cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders
- Epilepsy
Babies are not the only ones potentially affected by medical malpractice, however. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), when a stroke occurs in an adult, certain medications can be administered to or procedures performed with patients to drastically reduce consequences, so if there is a delay in proper medical attention, it can cause life-changing consequences.
If you suspect you or your loved one’s brain ischemia was caused or worsened by medical malpractice, contact Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400 for information on how we may be able to help.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice Caused or Worsened Brain Ischemia
Unfortunately, it is not enough to prove that you or a loved one suffered an ischemic attack to show you are entitled to compensation. Instead, you must show the appropriate standard of care the healthcare provider should have used to avoid this outcome and how his or her care violated this standard. Establishing this usually requires you to have a medical expert witness who can testify about these factors and how the healthcare provider’s actions caused your brain ischemia.
This may require carefully reviewing evidence in your claim, including:
- Emergency room videos
- Surgery videos
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Previous medical records
- Rehabilitation records
How a Pittsburgh Brain Ischemia Lawyer May Be Able to Help
Healthcare providers are expected to treat you with the high level of skill and education they have, which includes recognizing the common signs of a stroke, using appropriate testing to diagnose your condition, and treating your condition in an efficient manner that avoids further harm. When your healthcare provider violates the standard of care he or she swore an oath to provide, a Pittsburgh brain ischemia lawyer from our team may be able to help you pursue compensation for your increased medical bills, decreased quality of life, and lost time from work.
We may complete the following steps to assist with your claim:
- Review medical records and other evidence to determine how the ischemia occurred
- Investigate all potentially liable healthcare providers and medical entities
- Notify the providers of your intent to sue
- Contact medical malpractice insurance adjusters to attempt to settle your claim for a fair amount of compensation
- Discuss your legal rights during and after a free initial consultation
- Consult with expert witnesses
- File an appropriate medical certificate of merit
- File a lawsuit, if necessary
Under Pennsylvania Statute §42-5524, you generally have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Contact Berger and Green
If you or a loved one suffered brain ischemia and you would like to discuss your situation with a legal professional, contact Berger and Green. Attorney Green has more than 40 years of experience in personal injury law, during which time he has helped countless clients obtain favorable verdicts and settlements after being harmed by the negligent acts of others. He has received recognition from the legal community and his peers, as evidenced by his membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and having been named as one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
A Pittsburgh brain ischemia lawyer from our team is ready to help you. We offer a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. We never charge attorney’s fees unless we help you recover compensation for your claim. Contact us today at (412) 661-1400 to get started on your claim.