Michigan Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawyer

A Michigan deep vein thrombosis (DVT) lawyer represents patients harmed by medical malpractice. A patient with an untreated DVT can suffer serious health consequences. There are many types of blood clots that can form. This medical condition results in blood clots flowing through the body. It deprives the lungs of oxygen.

Deep vein thrombosis is a severe medical condition. It occurs when a clot forms in a person’s deeper veins, typically in the legs. This often results in pain or swelling. The formation of these clots can have a catastrophic effect on one’s pulmonary health if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

If a clot forms and dislocates, it can travel to the affected person’s lungs. The resulting pulmonary embolisms disrupt blood flow to the lungs, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. This can cause a person to suffer permanent lung damage or even death.

Our attorneys handle medical malpractice cases stemming from untreated deep vein thrombosis.

• Common causes of deep vein thrombosis
• Deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and treatment
• Filing a deep vein thrombosis medical malpractice lawsuit
• Deep vein thrombosis malpractice settlement example

Common Causes of a DVT

A blood clot can occur in the lower extremities, including the feet, ankle, calf, and legs, or in the arms and shoulders.

Common causes of this condition include:

• An injury that causes a resulting blood clot
• Surgery that damages a blood vessel
• Reduced mobility and inactivity, like when sitting in the same position on an airplane or in a vehicle for long periods of time
• Prescription drugs and medications

Patients often complain of swelling and cramping in the lower leg when they have a deep vein thrombosis. The skin may change color and feel warmer than the skin in the surrounding areas. Other complaints include neck pain, arm swelling, and weakness in the hand.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment

The proper medical workup to diagnose the condition is through imaging studies, like an ultrasound or X-ray. Many times, a venogram will be ordered in the other tests that are inconclusive. A blood test, the D-dimer test, can also be diagnostic of deep vein thrombosis.

If the condition is diagnosed, it is a medical emergency. Treatment can include surgery, medication, and compression stockings.

Medical providers must provide competent care when diagnosing, treating, and following up with patients. Patients who are harmed by professional negligence can pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim.

Can I File a Deep Vein Thrombosis Malpractice Lawsuit?

A doctor tending to a patient with symptoms must quickly diagnose a DVT. If a blood clot is identified, the doctor must take all necessary steps to provide quick care. A doctor can be found negligent for ignoring the signs of thrombosis or failing to order diagnostic imaging. A delay in treatment can be fatal.

The legal basis for a medical malpractice claim is straightforward. All physicians in Michigan have a professional duty to treat patients with appropriate skill and care. The failure to provide proper treatment is called medical malpractice, or medical negligence. There must also be proof the negligence caused a serious injury to the patient.

To win a claim, a plaintiff must rely on the report and opinion of a medical expert witness. Only a doctor is qualified to speak as to how another physician failed to diagnose and treat a patient. According to Michigan Compiled Law §600.2169, an expert must be certified in the same field of specialty medicine as the defendant.

So, if an emergency room physician was at fault, then an emergency medicine specialist must provide the malpractice opinion. Other medical experts may be required to prove different parts of the case, like the cause of death. Michigan law requires plaintiffs suing a doctor or hospital for malpractice to include an Affidavit of Merit from an expert witness with their complaint. The affidavit outlines the plaintiff’s case against the defendant and states the expert’s opinions. It verifies to the court the case has merit.

Our experienced attorneys will locate and hire qualified expert witnesses to help prove and win you a settlement. Settlements include compensation for pain and suffering, disability, lost income, and medical expenses.

When a patient dies from a DVT, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases demand settlement compensation for the loss of companionship of the family member. The suit also demands payment for economic losses, such as loss of income and support.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawsuit Case Study

A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed for by the family of a 60-year-old man.

The case sought wrongful death damages due to the failure to treat a deep vein thrombosis. The clot was located from the ankle to knee area.

The patient was seen by a vascular surgeon for evaluation. The surgeon determined that a procedure was not needed and the patient was advised to go home. He was not prescribed any medication or given any restrictions.

The DVT eventually caused a pulmonary embolism.

Several days later, his wife found him unresponsive in his bed. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The lawsuit alleged medical negligence against several physicians. The suit settled for $1 million.

Lawsuit Filing Deadlines in Michigan

There is a two-year deadline to file medical malpractice lawsuits in Michigan. This is known as the “statute of limitations.”

In general, the case must be filed at the courthouse within two years of the medical error. There are certain exceptions to this rule, including for cases involving the death of the patient.

However, it is wise to contact a medical malpractice law firm as soon as you suspect a medical mistake caused injury or death.

How a Michigan Deep Vein Thrombosis Attorney Can Help

Suffering any type of blood clot can be serious. All doctors and nurses must be able to recognize the signs of deep vein thrombosis and provide competent care.

If a doctor has failed to care for your condition, call a Michigan deep vein thrombosis lawyer for help.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today. We charge no legal fees unless you win a settlement!