James Frazier | | Medical Malpractice
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe, often life-threatening condition that demands prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. When medical professionals fail in their duty to provide necessary care, the consequences can be devastating for patients and their families. As a trusted Tampa pulmonary embolism attorney, Paul | Knopf | Bigger stands ready to help victims and their loved ones seek justice and fair compensation for injuries caused by such negligence.

Tampa Pulmonary Embolism Attorney: Advocating for Victims of Medical Negligence

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe, often life-threatening condition that demands prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. When medical professionals fail in their duty to provide necessary care, the consequences can be devastating for patients and their families. As a trusted Tampa pulmonary embolism attorney, Paul | Knopf | Bigger stands ready to help victims and their loved ones seek justice and fair compensation for injuries caused by such negligence. Contact us today at (800) 434-4327 for a free consultation and expert legal guidance.

Understanding Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot, often originating in the deep veins of the legs (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), dislodges and travels to the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. This blockage can obstruct blood flow, leading to severe outcomes such as heart attack, stroke, brain damage, or death. The CDC estimates PE is responsible for around 100,000 deaths each year in the U.S., with about 900,000 individuals experiencing related complications.

In many instances, PE is preventable through careful medical care. Hospitals and healthcare providers should closely monitor patients with a high risk of blood clots and act to mitigate this risk through appropriate interventions. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to meet this standard, patients and families may face catastrophic outcomes.

Several factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Among the most common causes are:

Common Risk Factors and Causes of Pulmonary Embolism

Several factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Among the most common causes are:

  1. Extended Immobilization: Patients who remain bedridden after surgery or due to paralysis are at a significantly higher risk of clot formation.
  2. Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to poor blood flow and increase the likelihood of DVT and PE.
  3. Age: Older adults, especially those with mobility issues, face a higher risk of PE.
  4. Smoking and Family History: Smoking and genetic predispositions can increase the risk of blood clots.

Hospitals and healthcare providers must be proactive in monitoring high-risk patients and implementing preventive measures, such as blood thinners and regular repositioning for immobile patients. These simple yet effective steps can greatly reduce the chances of PE developing or worsening in vulnerable patients.

Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism in Medical Settings

Effective PE prevention strategies are critical, particularly in hospital settings where patients are often vulnerable due to surgery, immobility, or other health complications. Key preventive measures include:

  • Early Mobilization: Encouraging patients to move and exercise as soon as possible post-surgery can reduce the risk of clot formation.
  • Blood Thinners: Administering anticoagulants when appropriate can lower the chances of clots developing in high-risk individuals.
  • Routine Monitoring and Repositioning: Medical staff should frequently check on bedridden or immobile patients, repositioning them as needed to promote healthy blood circulation.

When hospitals fail to adhere to these essential practices, the results can be tragic. Such oversight can lead to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed PE, resulting in severe injury or even death.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

PE symptoms can often resemble less serious conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:

  • Chest Pain
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Coughing (sometimes with blood)

Due to these overlapping symptoms, medical staff may mistakenly attribute them to chronic respiratory diseases like COPD or even simple respiratory infections. However, for patients at high risk, immediate testing such as a spiral CT scan can be crucial in identifying PE early.

Medical malpractice in pulmonary embolism cases arises when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected under similar circumstances. Common examples of medical negligence in PE cases include:

How Medical Negligence Contributes to Pulmonary Embolism Cases

Medical malpractice in pulmonary embolism cases arises when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care expected under similar circumstances. Common examples of medical negligence in PE cases include:

  1. Failure to Diagnose: If a healthcare provider neglects to consider PE as a potential diagnosis or fails to perform appropriate tests, this oversight can lead to worsening symptoms or fatal outcomes.
  2. Failure to Prevent PE in High-Risk Patients: Hospitals are obligated to employ preventive measures for patients prone to clot formation. Neglecting this duty is a common basis for medical malpractice claims.
  3. Medication Errors: Improper use or omission of blood-thinning medications in high-risk patients can result in PE.

For victims of medical negligence, these failures can translate into a lifetime of physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you believe that medical negligence may have contributed to a PE-related injury or death, contacting a Tampa pulmonary embolism attorney can be the first step in holding those responsible accountable.

Medical malpractice claims are governed by specific statutes of limitations, making it crucial to seek legal assistance promptly. A qualified attorney will investigate the case, collect evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong claim for compensation.

The Role of a Tampa Pulmonary Embolism Attorney

Medical malpractice claims are governed by specific statutes of limitations, making it crucial to seek legal assistance promptly. A qualified attorney will investigate the case, collect evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong claim for compensation.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger offers free consultations to help victims and families understand their rights and explore their options for justice and compensation. Damages in these cases can cover:

  • Medical Expenses: Including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: For those who can no longer work or whose work capacity is diminished
  • Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll on victims and families

Seeking Justice for Pulmonary Embolism Victims in Tampa

If you or a loved one has been affected by a pulmonary embolism in a Tampa medical facility due to suspected medical negligence, it’s important to act quickly. Time limits known as statutes of limitations restrict how long victims and families have to file a lawsuit. Consulting with a Tampa pulmonary embolism attorney ensures that you take the appropriate legal steps within this timeframe, maximizing the chance of a favorable outcome.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger is dedicated to uncovering medical errors and advocating for victims. Our experienced team provides a compassionate yet aggressive approach to fighting for justice. We don’t charge for consultations, and there’s no obligation to proceed unless you feel confident in our legal services. Reach out today for a case evaluation at (800) 434-4327 or fill out our online consultation form to learn more about how we can help.

Pulmonary embolism is a critical medical emergency that demands attention, understanding, and thorough legal support. With the guidance of an experienced Tampa pulmonary embolism attorney, victims and their families can seek justice and hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

David Paul | Andrew Knopf | Brent Bigger of Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Offices in Orlando and Tampa, Florida

Paul | Knopf | Bigger – Your Tampa Pulmonary Embolism Attorney

Our legal team has the expertise and commitment necessary to help you navigate the legal process. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t face this challenge alone. Contact us today to discuss your case and understand your rights. Call (800) 434-4327 now for a free consultation.

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