Failure to Prevent Blood Clots and Pulmonary Embolisms

Blood clots and pulmonary embolisms are serious medical conditions that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. When healthcare providers fail to recognize risk factors, respond to warning signs, or take preventive measures, patients can suffer severe and sometimes fatal complications.

What are Blood Clots and Pulmonary Embolisms?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg or pelvis. If part of the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can block blood flow and cause a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms can interfere with oxygen levels, damage organs, and place significant strain on the heart. Severe cases may cause sudden collapse or death. Common symptoms of DVT include:

• Leg swelling.
• Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh.
• Warmth or redness in the affected area.

Common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Coughing up blood.

These symptoms can resemble other conditions, making prompt evaluation and testing critical.

Which Patients Are at Increased Risk for Blood Clots?

Certain patients face a significantly higher risk of developing blood clots and pulmonary embolisms. Medical providers are expected to recognize these risks and take preventive measures when appropriate. Risk factors may include:

• Recent surgery or hospitalization.
• Prolonged immobility or bed rest.
• Cancer treatment.
• Pregnancy or recent childbirth.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Prior history of blood clots.
• Hormone therapy or birth control medication.

Failure to identify high-risk patients may lead to preventable complications.

Common Medical Errors Involving Blood Clots and Pulmonary Embolisms

Malpractice claims involving blood clots often center on delayed diagnosis, inadequate prevention, or failure to respond to warning signs.

Examples of negligence may include:

• Failure to order anticoagulants after surgery.
• Delayed diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism.
• Failure to recognize symptoms such as leg swelling or shortness of breath.
• Misinterpreting diagnostic imaging or test results.
• Failure to monitor high-risk hospitalized patients.
• Premature discharge despite signs of clotting complications.
• Delayed response to abnormal oxygen levels or chest pain.

In many cases, early treatment could have prevented the clot from progressing or becoming fatal.

How a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help

Medical malpractice cases involving blood clots and pulmonary embolisms often require extensive medical review and access to qualified experts. A White Plains Medical Malpractice Lawyer has the resources to obtain and analyze hospital records, imaging studies, medication logs, and monitoring data to determine how the complication developed and whether it could have been prevented.

In New York, malpractice claims also require a certificate of merit before a lawsuit can be filed. This means an attorney must consult with a qualified medical expert who confirms there is a reasonable basis for the claim. Without that expert support, the case cannot proceed.

An attorney also manages the legal process from start to finish, including communication with hospitals and insurers, and ensuring all deadlines and procedural requirements are met. Having that support can significantly reduce your stress and allow you to focus on your health and recovery.

Contact Us Today

Contact Fiedler Deutsch, LLP at (914) 993-0393 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. A careful review of your medical records can help determine whether further action is appropriate.