Holding Doctors and Hospitals Accountable for Delayed Diagnosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that can be treated relatively easily when caught early enough but can prove fatal if it is left undiagnosed. Depending on the circumstances, a failure to diagnose deep vein thrombosis may be considered medical malpractice.
At the law firm of Furr & Henshaw, with offices in Myrtle Beach and Columbia, our experienced South Carolina deep vein thrombosis attorneys represent clients statewide who have lost loved ones or suffered serious medical emergencies due to delayed diagnosis.
Understanding the Consequences of Undiagnosed Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the leg. If left untreated, the clot can break free, travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, a serious medical emergency. Other possible consequences include heart attack and stroke.
Certain factors, such as surgery and cancer, increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The condition can be identified based on several key symptoms, including the following:
- Shortness of breath after surgery or a long period spent sitting up
- Pain, swelling, reddening and warmness in the lower leg
- Phlegmasia alba dolens (white leg) and phlegmasia cerulea dolens (painful, blue and swollen legs)
The prompt diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis is extremely important, because if the blood clot breaks free, it can cause death in less than a minute.
Columbia and Myrtle Beach Medical Negligence Lawyers
If you believe you may have a medical malpractice claim for failure to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You will not pay any attorneys fees unless our firm helps you recover compensation.
