Aortic Dissection Malpractice Claims

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often fatal.

Given the severity of this condition, timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can sometimes lead to improper treatment, resulting in severe harm or death. 

Understanding Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection presents with symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other conditions, such as heart attack or stroke. Common symptoms include sudden severe chest or upper back pain, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Due to the potential for misdiagnosis, it is critical for healthcare providers to conduct thorough evaluations and consider aortic dissection in their differential diagnosis.

Types of Aortic Dissection Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice claims related to aortic dissection typically fall into several categories:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Failure to recognize the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection can lead to disastrous consequences. Misdiagnosis might occur if healthcare providers attribute the symptoms to less critical conditions without thoroughly evaluating the patient .

Failure to Order Appropriate Tests

Even when aortic dissection is suspected, failing to order or promptly interpret critical diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or echocardiograms can delay the necessary treatment. This delay can result in aortic rupture or other complications.

Improper Treatment

Once diagnosed, immediate and appropriate treatment is crucial. Malpractice can occur if healthcare providers fail to administer the correct medications, delay surgical intervention, or perform surgery improperly.

Inadequate Postoperative Care

After surgery, patients require careful monitoring and management to prevent complications. Inadequate postoperative care can lead to further medical issues and potentially fatal outcomes.

Proving Aortic Dissection Malpractice

To establish a malpractice claim, the plaintiff (victim) must prove several key elements:

• Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed a duty of care to the patient. This is generally established by the existence of a doctor-patient relationship.
• Breach of Duty: The provider breached that duty by failing to act in accordance with the accepted standard of care. In aortic dissection cases, this often involves failing to diagnose, treat, or properly monitor the condition.
• Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury or death. This can be complex to prove, often requiring expert testimony to establish the link between the provider’s actions and the patient’s outcome.
• Damages: The patient suffered actual harm or losses as a result of the breach. This can include physical pain, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

A White Plains Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

Pursuing an aortic dissection malpractice claim requires comprehensive legal and medical knowledge. Consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of these cases. To help you win, they will thoroughly investigate your case, gather essential medical records, and consult with medical experts to establish that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care. 

Additionally, an experienced White Plains medical malpractice lawyer will navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf in court, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.