Los Angeles Failure to Diagnose Stroke Lawyer
When a stroke is not diagnosed quickly and accurately, the results can be devastating. Time is critical, and delays in treatment can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent disability – or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered harm because a medical professional failed to recognize and diagnose a stroke, you may be entitled to compensation.
At The Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates, we focus exclusively on medical malpractice cases, and we understand how catastrophic the consequences of a delayed diagnosis can be, especially for a stroke. If you suspect medical negligence played a role in a stroke diagnosis delay, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you take the next steps.
Why Choose Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates?
Dr. Bruce G. Fagel is both a licensed physician and an attorney, giving him a unique advantage in complex medical malpractice cases like stroke misdiagnosis. He has tried and settled more medical malpractice cases than any other attorney in California. Over the past two years alone, Dr. Fagel has recovered more than $100 million on behalf of his clients, securing justice for victims of catastrophic medical errors.
Unlike other attorneys who handle personal injury claims of all types, Dr. Fagel only represents clients in medical malpractice matters. This dedicated focus allows him to go head-to-head with the experienced legal teams representing hospitals, physicians, and insurance companies.
Understanding the Impact of Stroke Misdiagnosis
Strokes can present in a variety of ways, including weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, or severe headaches. Emergency room physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers are trained to recognize these signs and take immediate action. A proper and timely diagnosis may involve:
- Conducting neurological exams
- Ordering brain imaging like a CT scan or MRI
- Administering clot-busting drugs (tPA) within a critical window
When medical professionals fail to follow the standard of care, especially in the context of stroke recognition and timely intervention, patients can suffer irreparable and life-altering harm. The consequences of stroke misdiagnosis include:
- Paralysis: Strokes often affect one side of the body, resulting in partial or complete paralysis that may become permanent without prompt treatment.
- Loss of speech or cognitive function: Patients may lose the ability to speak, understand language, or process information – skills essential to daily living.
- Long-term rehabilitation needs: Survivors frequently require months or even years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, significantly impacting their quality of life and financial stability.
- Permanent brain damage: Once brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they begin to die quickly. The longer treatment is delayed, the more extensive and irreversible the brain damage.
- Increased risk of recurrent strokes: A missed or untreated stroke can increase the risk of a subsequent, potentially more severe stroke.
- Death: In the most tragic cases, failure to diagnose and treat a stroke can be fatal, robbing families of their loved ones and leaving lasting emotional and financial consequences.
These outcomes are preventable and often the direct result of avoidable medical mistakes.
Building a Strong Medical Malpractice Case
To prove that a failure to diagnose a stroke was the result of medical negligence, your attorney must demonstrate that a healthcare provider did not act as a reasonably competent provider would have under similar circumstances. This often requires extensive review of medical records, collaboration with expert witnesses, and a deep understanding of both medicine and law.
Dr. Bruce Fagel is committed to helping victims of medical malpractice rebuild their lives. If you or someone you love has been harmed due to a failure to diagnose a stroke, call us now at (800) 541-9376 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
