Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition involving blood clots that commonly develop in the legs. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, these clots can travel to the lungs and cause life-threatening pulmonary embolisms.
Doctors and hospitals are expected to recognize DVT warning signs and respond appropriately. If they didn’t do this in your case, and you suffered harm, you may have a misdiagnosis lawsuit. The Las Cruces misdiagnosis lawyers at Coates & Johnson, PLLC can help you navigate your claim.
Why Choose Coates & Johnson, PLLC to Handle Your DVT Case?
DVT malpractice claims require attorneys who understand the procedures and testing required to diagnose and treat DVT and pulmonary embolisms. That’s not all personal injury claims. But that is Coates & Johnson, PLLC.
Clients routinely choose us to represent them because:
- We have decades of experience handling medical negligence claims
- One of our attorneys is both a physician and a trial lawyer (a very rare skillset among attorneys)
- We work closely with medical experts who can uncover mistakes and shed light on your damages
- We thoroughly prepare every claim for litigation and use our trial experience as leverage in negotiations
Reach out to our Las Vegas medical malpractice attorneys today to learn more about your case. We offer free consultations.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, most commonly in the legs. Without intervention, these clots can travel to the lungs and put strain on vital organs due to restricted oxygen supply.
DVT is one of the most common and serious pulmonary issues a person can experience. Unfortunately, pulmonary issues are often misdiagnosed because they mirror other medical conditions. In fact, they are one of the top organ systems associated with missed and delayed diagnosis.
Symptoms may include:
- Leg swelling
- Warmth or redness
- Leg pain or tenderness
- Cramping
- Shortness of breath if pulmonary embolism develops
DVT risk factors are numerous and range from surgery and extended immobility to pregnancy and obesity. Failure to diagnose DVT with ultrasounds or other testing usually results in catastrophic or fatal medical complications. That’s what makes it critical for doctors to order the right tests at the right time and provide the earliest treatment possible.
Do I Need an Attorney for a DVT Case?
DVT malpractice cases touch on many complex areas of law and medicine. You will need help from healthcare professionals to analyze whether your provider provided substandard testing and/or treatment. You will need legal professionals to help you gather evidence and expert testimony and comply with the unique procedures involved in medical malpractice lawsuits.
An attorney may help with:
- Gathering and analyzing hospital records, physician notes, and diagnostic testing results
- Reviewing the medical decision-making process that led to the delayed or missed diagnosis
- Consulting with vascular surgeons, emergency physicians, and other qualified specialists
- Assessing whether timely diagnosis and treatment could have avoided the resulting complications
- Calculating the ongoing medical, financial, and personal impact of the injury
- Seeking financial recovery through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation when necessary
Hospitals and insurers frequently dispute these cases. An experienced medical malpractice attorney in Las Cruces can help you push back and get the right result.
Long-Term Consequences of Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT and related pulmonary embolisms can cause permanent organ damage, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death. Even when a pulmonary embolism does not occur, DVT can result in significant long-term health problems. Many patients develop chronic pain, circulation problems, and ongoing medical complications.
Patients who experienced a delayed or missed diagnosis of their DVT may be entitled to file a medical malpractice claim against the responsible medical providers. Such patients may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospitalization and emergency treatment costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Chronic pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
An experienced Las Cruces deep vein thrombosis attorney can help you determine the value of your claim and what damages you may be entitled to.
Contact an Experienced Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawyer for Help
Delayed diagnosis of DVT can lead to long-term, life-altering harm. If this happened to you, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. The Las Cruces deep vein thrombosis attorneys at Coates & Johnson, PLLC can help you take legal action. Call us today to schedule a free case review.