Serving New York & New Jersey
At Nagel Rice, LLP, our New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to representing victims of medical malpractice, including patients who have had a stroke misdiagnosis. We are committed to advocating for the rights of these patients, fighting to secure damages for the long-term disabilities they suffered as a result of the negligence of their healthcare provider. We have a high rate of success in proving that these victims could have avoided long-term incapacity (or even wrongful death) if properly diagnosed and treated with the urgent care they required.
A recent study reported in NeurologyToday found that nearly 10 percent of stroke victims are initially undetected by medical professionals. This is especially alarming because stroke misdiagnosis so often leads to a catastrophic outcome. Without timely and appropriate treatment, patients may suffer irreversible damage, including paralysis, loss of sensory functions, cognitive impairments, or even death. If you or a loved has been a victim of stroke misdiagnosis, now is the time to contact our capable stroke misdiagnosis attorneys for a free evaluation of your case.
Defining a Stroke Misdiagnosis
A stroke misdiagnosis occurs when healthcare professionals fail to identify or correctly treat a patient with stroke symptoms. This can be the result of a misinterpretation of symptoms, failure to pay close attention to the patient’s medical history, or failure to administer necessary diagnostic tests. The failure to diagnose and treat a stroke with necessary urgency can prevent the patient from receiving treatments that would have significantly reduced the long-term, often devastating, impact of the stroke.
Understanding Strokes: Types and Symptoms
There are two types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic:
Ischemic Strokes, which account for about 87 percent of all strokes, occur when a clot obstructs a vessel that supplies blood to the brain. The symptoms are most often sudden and include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side
- Confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding others
- Problems with vision in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination
- Unexplained, severe headache
Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. Though many of the symptoms mirror those of an ischemic stroke, they may also often include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or sudden onset of drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden fainting or seizures
Conditions That Mimic Strokes
The following medical conditions have symptoms similar to those of strokes, but medical professionals are trained to distinguish strokes from:
Migraines with Aura: These severe headaches are often accompanied by visual disturbances, speech difficulties, and other neurological symptoms similar to those of a stroke.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause confusion, dizziness, and muscle coordination problems, symptoms also associated with strokes.
Epileptic Seizures: Seizures sometimes cause temporary symptoms, such as paralysis or sensory changes, that resemble stroke symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS symptoms, like dizziness, numbness, and coordination problems, may be confused with those of strokes.
Brain Tumors: Depending on location, tumors in the brain can trigger symptoms similar to those of a stroke, such as headaches and speech or motor issues.
Vertigo: Severe cases of vertigo can lead to dizziness and imbalance, symptoms commonly associated with strokes.
Psychiatric Disorders: Certain psychiatric conditions, like conversion disorder, can cause physical symptoms that mimic stroke, including paralysis and speech impediments.
When Medical Negligence Leads to Stroke Misdiagnosis
Too often, medical negligence is at the root of stroke misdiagnosis, such as when a doctor fails to:
- Accurately collect and review the patient’s medical history
- Recognize and act upon the immediate signs and symptoms of a stroke
- Utilize appropriate diagnostic tools and tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis
- Consult with or refer to a specialist when necessary
The Severe Consequences of Stroke Misdiagnosis
The consequences of failing to diagnose a stroke correctly are severe and can be tragic. Potential consequences include:
- Increased risk of further medical complications or a second stroke
- Permanent physical or cognitive disabilities
- Escalating medical bills and long-term care costs
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Negative impact on relationships
- Significant reduction in quality of life
Proving Medical Malpractice in Stroke Misdiagnosis
Nagel Rice attorneys approach stroke misdiagnosis claims methodically so we can be sure that the legal strategy we prepare is cogent and persuasive. To that end, you can rely on us to:
- Collect and analyze all pertinent medical records and other evidence
- Collaborate with neurological experts who will bolster our claim of misdiagnosis
- Establish a clear and direct link between the doctor’s breach of care and your injuries
- Highlight the profound impact of the misdiagnosis on your health and life
Seeking Just Damages in Cases of Stroke Misdiagnosis
Deeply committed to recovering the resources you deserve, our stroke misdiagnosis lawyers will work tirelessly to bring you damages for:
- Past, current, and future medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of income and diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disability and/or disfigurement
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death due to a stroke misdiagnosis, our attorneys will fight tooth and nail to bring you justice in the form of funds to cover your funeral and burial/cremation costs, as well as loss of financial and emotional support.
Contact Our Experienced Stroke Misdiagnosis Attorneys Now
A stroke misdiagnosis is traumatic in a number of ways, not the least of which is feeling betrayed by a healthcare professional you put your trust in. At Nagel Rice, we can only imagine how overwhelmed you must be right now in the face of physical impairment, emotional distress, and inability to work. Contact our New Jersey lawyers today so we can get started helping you collect the compensation you are entitled to, compensation that will give you a headstart on rebuilding your life.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients with claims throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York.