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Legal Assistance for Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose Aortic Dissection

Did a medical professional misdiagnose your condition or failed to diagnose a loved one’s condition? Our medical malpractice attorneys are here to help. Call us today for a free case evaluation.

Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin

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The aorta is the body’s main artery, extending from the heart down through the abdomen and also up to the head, neck and arms. If a doctor negligently fails to diagnose aortic dissection in time to administer treatment, it could mean serious injury or death for the patient. The skilled medical malpractice lawyers at Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, PL specialize in failure to diagnose claims in Florida. We might be able to help you secure fair compensation for your related medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  We can handle insurance settlement negotiations or go to trial on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Symptoms of Aortic Dissection

Knowing whether or not a doctor has committed medical malpractice for failing to diagnose aortic dissection first requires knowing what the accepted standards of care are for this injury. An aortic dissection is a relatively common medical condition that can happen because of a car accident, sports impact,  other blunt trauma to the chest/neck, certain types of chiropractic care, genetic conditions, birth defects, age, pregnancy, high blood pressure, or aortic disease. It refers to a condition in which the inner wall of the aorta suffers damage, allowing blood to flow between the aorta’s layers of tissue. Symptoms of aortic dissection include:

  • Sudden, severe chest pain
  • Fainting or lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • TIA or Stroke

The presentation of aortic dissection can appear like a heart attack. Patients might complain of a sharp or stabbing/tearing pain in the chest, pain that starts below the chest bone then moves to the back or shoulder blades, pain that moves down the body to the hips, or pain that changes positions as the condition worsens. Misdiagnosis of aortic dissection as a heart attack can result in improper treatment. If the provider rules out a heart attack, he or she may still fail to diagnose aortic dissection. Accepted medical treatments are available for this condition, but only if properly diagnosed in time. Otherwise, aortic dissection can lead to death or serious injury.  Clots formed at the dissection can move to the brain and lead to small mini-strokes or massive strokes.

How Might a Doctor Fail to Diagnose Aortic Dissection?

A failure to diagnose aortic dissection occurs more often than most patients might want to know. Failure to diagnose stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism are also somewhat common types of vein-related medical malpractice. Doctors can negligently miss signs of aortic dissection if they do not listen to the patient’s symptoms, fail to thoroughly review the chart or medical history, or release the patient from the emergency room for reasons such as failure to pay. Failing to order the proper tests and scans, or misinterpreting test results, can also result in a failure to diagnose an aortic dissection.

Common tests that could help a physician diagnose this condition are physical exams, blood tests, chest x-rays, chest MRI, aortic angiography and ultrasound for early detection. In cases where a doctor timely diagnoses an aortic dissection in time to administer treatment, a patient can recover and survive. Surgical intervention and medication are common treatments. Otherwise, an aortic dissection can be life-threatening, resulting in rupture of the aorta, stroke, and death. If you believe you or a loved one’s physician was negligent in failing to diagnose aortic dissection, discuss your case with one of our lawyers. We can help you seek compensation through a Florida medical malpractice lawsuit.

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