Exploring the Links Between Brain Injuries and Medical Malpractice

Head injuries are a serious concern, but you may not realize the risks until you review the numbers. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, around 2.5 million people suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. More than 50,000 die as a result of their injuries, and another 80,000 are permanently disabled. The leading causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, and assault, all of which make sense because they involve a blow to the head or violence. You may not expect that medical malpractice could be linked to brain injuries, so information about the causes may surprise you.

A significant medical error can leave victims with permanent life-changing brain damage, along with the associated financial costs and losses. You do have legal options to recover compensation, so discuss the specifics with a Florida medical malpractice lawyer. Some general information may also be useful.

Types of Brain Injuries Caused by Medical Error: Many forms of brain damage result from an issue or complication that directly affects another area of the body. Some of the most common brain injuries resulting from errors in providing medical care include:

• Stroke: Brain cells can die from a lack of oxygen, usually through reduction or blockage of blood flow to an area of the brain.
• Embolism: A blood clot can develop in the brain, affecting the flow of oxygen.
• Aneurysm: When a blood vessel in the brain bulges because of pressure, it could rupture and hemorrhage into the brain tissue.
• Heart Attack: When a myocardial infarction disrupts blood flow to the brain, the lack of oxygen can cause a stroke.
  

How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Brain Damage: Within minutes of a reduction or lack of oxygen, brain cells deteriorate and die. Often, the damage is permanent, though the consequences for the individual depend on the part of the brain that was affected. There are several forms of medical negligence that can cause brain injuries and damage, including:

• Surgical Error: A procedure on another part of the body could produce a clot or loosen up plaque buildup at the surgical site. It may not affect the procedure, but that matter could travel to the brain through blood vessels and impact the flow of oxygen.
• Anesthesia Mistake: Anesthesiology is a very exact area of medicine, requiring the anesthesiologist to meticulously calculate the amount and type of medication necessary for surgery. The physician must also property monitor the patient, and may need to administer additional anesthesia throughout a procedure.
• Lack of Oxygen to the Brain: If a patient is required to wear an oxygen mask, there could be harm to the brain if the flow is too low.
• Misdiagnosed Medical Condition: Some ailments and risk factors point to potential issues in the brain, mainly stemming from the condition of the patient’s blood vessels, a history of blood clots, or a previous stroke.

Set Up a Free Consultation with a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney 

If you or a loved one sustained brain damage and medical negligence could be the reason, please contact the Miami medical malpractice attorneys at Freidin Brown, P.A. right away. We can schedule a no-cost case evaluation at our offices. Once we review your circumstances, we can explain your legal remedies and next steps in the process.

Resource:

What to Expect During Arbitration in a Florida Medical Malpractice Case