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Louisville Delayed Treatment of Strokes Attorneys: Hospital Negligence

When Kentucky hospitals fail to treat strokes and you or a loved one suffer harm

A stroke is a medical emergency, but one that can be survived with the right attention and treatment. When a stroke patient seeks care in a hospital, they place their trust in the medical professionals to provide timely and appropriate treatment. However, hospital negligence in stroke cases can lead to devastating outcomes, leaving patients and their families grappling with the consequences.

At Garcia & Artigliere, our Kentucky attorneys recognize the immense impact of hospital negligence in stroke treatment and are committed to seeking justice and accountability for those affected. Our compassionate team is dedicated to advocating for victims of hospital negligence, striving to ensure that such tragic incidents do not go unnoticed or unaddressed. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to hospital negligence during a stroke, we are here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have 30 years of experience and have helped secure $3 billion for people across the country – put your trust in us.

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What are the different types of stroke?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strokes strike with alarming frequency in the United States, occurring every 40 seconds, and tragically, someone dies from a stroke every three minutes and 14 seconds. The scope of this issue is immense, with over 795,000 people experiencing a stroke annually, and approximately 610,000 of these being first or new strokes. A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, leading to brain damage or even death.

There are three different types of stroke:

  • Ischemic stroke. This is the most common type, occurring when blood clots or other particles obstruct the blood vessels leading to the brain. The blockage deprives the brain of essential oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke. In this type, an artery in the brain ruptures or leaks blood, exerting excessive pressure on brain cells, which results in damage. The severity of a hemorrhagic stroke can be life-threatening.
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Often referred to as a "mini-stroke," TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms. Although temporary, it is a critical warning sign of potential future strokes.

It is vital to treat strokes promptly. The CDC highlights that patients who seek medical attention within three hours of experiencing their first stroke symptoms tend to experience less disability three months after the stroke compared to those who face delayed care. Promptly recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and providing immediate and comprehensive medical care are crucial steps in improving the outcomes for those affected by this serious medical condition.

What are the signs of a stroke?

The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the specific area of the brain affected. Nevertheless, there are some common signs to be aware of, including:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, which may impact the face, arm, or leg.
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech, leading to problems expressing oneself or comprehending others.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, causing blurred vision, double vision, or even partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
  • Sudden dizziness, imbalance, or difficulty walking, making it challenging to maintain stability or walk without assistance.
  • Sudden, severe headache, which can indicate a potentially serious stroke event.

Should you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment can help mitigate the damage caused by the stroke and increase the likelihood of a successful recovery. Recognizing the signs and acting promptly can significantly improve the patient's prognosis and overall outcome.

What are the signs of a stroke

What is tPA?

tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, is a clot-dissolving medication administered intravenously. To be effective, the medicine should be administered within three hours of the victim showing symptoms.

When healthcare professionals fail to administer tPA quickly, or refuse to administer the drug at all, the patient has an increased risk of suffering severe complications and injuries. This is why quick and accurate diagnosis of a stroke – and the type of stroke it is – is so critical. If you or a loved one’s diagnosis was delayed or inaccurate, resulting in delayed treatment or mistreatment of stroke, Garcia & Artigliere want to help. Call our attorneys in Louisville to learn more.

What are the complications of untreated strokes?

Untreated strokes can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications due to the lack of timely medical intervention. The consequences of untreated strokes can vary depending on the type of stroke, its location in the brain, and the duration of delayed treatment. Some common complications of untreated strokes include:

  • Disability
  • Impairment
  • Communication problems
  • Emotional and behavioral changes
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Seizures
  • Chronic pain
  • Bedsores
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Secondary strokes

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of a stroke to minimize the risk of complications and improve the chances of recovery. Early treatment can help limit brain damage and prevent or mitigate many of these potential complications. If you or a loved one have suffered stroke complications due to hospital negligence, the Louisville attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere can help.

When is a hospital liable for my Louisville delayed treatment of stroke?

A hospital may be liable for delayed treatment of stroke if it can be shown that the delay was caused by the hospital's negligence. This means that the hospital 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 hospital was negligent, it must be shown that the hospital's actions fell below the standard of care and that this caused the patient's injuries.

There are many factors that can be considered in determining whether a hospital was negligent in delaying the 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 hospital 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.

What is the value of my Kentucky delayed treatment of stroke claim?

If a hospital is found to be liable for delayed treatment of stroke, the patient may be able to recover damages for their injuries. These damages may include:

  • Medical expenses. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and medical equipment.
  • Lost wages. If the patient was unable to work due to their stroke, they may be able to recover lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering. This includes the physical and emotional pain and suffering that the patient has experienced as a result of their stroke.
  • Punitive damages. In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the hospital and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

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.

Delayed treatment of strokes attorneys serving Kentucky

If you or a loved one has experienced harm from delayed treatment of a stroke, you deserve justice and compensation. Don't wait to take action. Contact the experienced legal team at Garcia & Artigliere. We have the knowledge and skill to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence. Let us fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. 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 additional offices in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.

Se habla español.