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Louisville Delayed Treatment of Strokes Attorneys: Nursing Homes

Legal representation when Kentucky nursing homes fail to recognize symptoms of stroke

In nursing homes, providing timely and appropriate medical care is of utmost importance, especially in critical situations like strokes. Unfortunately, instances of delayed treatment of strokes in nursing homes can have devastating consequences for residents. The consequences of such delays can lead to permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, and even fatalities. When nursing homes fail to recognize the urgency of stroke symptoms or administer prompt medical attention, it can constitute serious negligence.

If your loved one in a nursing home has suffered from delayed treatment of a stroke, their health and well-being are at serious risk. Taking immediate action is crucial to protect their rights and seek justice for the harm caused. The Louisville nursing home neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere have the experience and skill to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions and fight for the compensation your loved one deserves.

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What is the definition of a stroke?

Per the National Institute of Health (NIH):

A stroke can occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is sudden bleeding in the brain. There are two types of strokes. A stroke that occurs because blood flow to the brain is blocked is called an ischemic stroke. The brain cannot get oxygen and nutrients from the blood. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. A stroke that occurs because of sudden bleeding in the brain is called a hemorrhagic stroke. The leaked blood results in pressure on brain cells, damaging them.

The NIH also notes that a stroke is a medical emergency.

Also per the NIH, about 795,000 people suffer from a stroke every year, and out of these, 137,000 patients die. It’s also important to note that “About 610,000 of these cases are first strokes, and 185,000 people who survive a stroke will have another stroke within 5 years.”

This is why it is so important for nursing homes to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, especially if a patient has suffered a stroke before.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

The signs and symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the part of the brain that is affected. However, some common symptoms of a stroke include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. This can affect the face, arm, or leg.
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech. This can make it difficult to speak or understand what others are saying.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. This can cause blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one eye.
  • Sudden dizziness, imbalance, or trouble walking. This can make it difficult to walk or stand up straight.
  • Sudden headache that is severe and unlike any other headache you have had before. This can be a sign of a serious stroke.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help to reduce the damage caused by the stroke and improve your chances of recovery.

Here are some additional tips to help you remember the symptoms of a stroke:

  • FAST. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 911; or
  • BE FAST. Balance. Eyes. Face. Speech. Time to call 911

Nursing homes should know how to recognize these symptoms and have protocols in place to address them immediately.

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Who is at risk for a stroke?

The NIH lists several segments of the population as “at higher risk” of stroke or death from stroke. These groups include:

  • “Race/ethnicity. African Americans have almost two times the risk of white people of having a first stroke. Hispanic Americans and American Indian/Alaska Natives are at greater risk than whites are for having a stroke but are at less risk than African Americans. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to die after having a stroke.
  • Age. Stroke risk increases with age. Three-quarters of strokes occur in people ages 65 and older.
  • Geography. The highest U.S. death rates from stroke occur in the southeastern United States.
  • Gender. Men are more likely than women to have a stroke.”

They also note the following lifestyle factors that can heighten one’s risk for a stroke:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heart disease
  • Previous stroke

If you or your loved one are at risk, the nursing home should be aware of this and take the proper precautions.

What are the complications of strokes?

Strokes can lead to various complications, depending on the type of stroke, the area of the brain affected, and the severity of the brain damage. Some common complications of strokes include:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Communication problems
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Emotional changes
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Sensory disturbances
  • Seizures
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Bedsores/pressure ulcers

The extent and combination of complications will vary among stroke survivors and depend on factors such as the type and location of the stroke, pre-existing health conditions, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation and post-stroke care. Early medical intervention is essential in minimizing complications and promoting recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.

How should ischemic strokes be treated?

For the best possible outcome, a stroke should be treated at the first symptoms. The treatment of strokes typically depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient receives medical attention.

For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications such as a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be administered intravenously within a specific time window to dissolve the blood clot causing the blockage and restore blood flow to the brain.

With all strokes, supportive care and rehabilitation are crucial treatment components. Stroke survivors often require physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. Additionally, medications may be prescribed to manage other stroke-related complications, such as the prevention of blood clots, controlling blood pressure, and addressing any secondary health issues.

If you or a loved one suffered a stroke in a nursing home, they may be liable for the harm you have suffered. Failure to call for help or to identify a stroke are acts of negligence. At Garcia & Artigliere, our Louisville stroke negligence attorneys are ready and able to advocate for you and your future.

When is a nursing home liable for my Kentucky delayed treatment of stroke?

A nursing home may be liable for delayed treatment of stroke if it can be shown that the delay was caused by the nursing home's negligence. This means that the nursing home failed to act by the standard of care for stroke treatment.

The standard of care is the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare provider would provide in the same or similar circumstances. To establish that a nursing home was negligent, it must be shown that the nursing home's actions fell below the standard of care and that this caused the patient's injuries.

Several factors can be considered in determining whether a nursing home was negligent in delaying treatment of a stroke. These factors include:

  • The severity of the stroke. The more severe the stroke, the more likely it is that a delay in treatment will cause harm.
  • The length of the delay. The longer the delay in treatment, the more likely it is that the patient will suffer harm.
  • The availability of treatment. If there was a delay in treatment because the nursing home did not have the appropriate resources, this may be considered negligence.
  • The patient's condition. If the patient's condition was deteriorating, this may make it more likely that a delay in treatment will cause harm.

Here are some of the things that a nursing home can do to help prevent delayed treatment of stroke:

  • Train staff on the signs and symptoms of stroke. Staff should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke so that they can promptly report them to the doctor.
  • Have a plan in place for stroke treatment. The nursing home should have a plan in place for stroke treatment so that treatment can be initiated as quickly as possible.
  • Monitor patients for signs of stroke. Staff should monitor patients for signs of stroke so that treatment can be initiated as quickly as possible.

By taking these steps, nursing homes can help to prevent delayed treatment of stroke and protect the health and safety of their residents.

Do you have a delayed treatment of strokes attorney near me?

Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 312 S. Fourth Street, Suite 700, Louisville, KY 40202. We’re right down the street from Jefferson County Court.

Call our Kentucky delayed treatment of strokes attorneys today

If your loved one has experienced delayed treatment of a stroke in a nursing home, they may be entitled to compensation for their suffering and medical expenses. Don't wait to seek justice on their behalf. Contact the experienced nursing home negligence attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere as soon as possible. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the delayed treatment and hold the nursing home accountable for its actions. Your loved one deserves proper care and support, and we are here to fight for their rights. Call our Louisville offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation.

We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. Our lawyers serve families throughout the U.S. from our offices in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.

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