Indianapolis Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawyer – Advocating for Victims of Stroke Misdiagnosis in Indianapolis

Victims of stroke misdiagnosis in Indiana have the right to seek compensation when medical negligence leads to personal injury. To successfully recover damages, we leverage our extensive legal expertise to navigate Indiana’s medical malpractice laws effectively. We can help you by:

  • Reviewing medical records to identify negligence
  • Consulting with neurological experts to strengthen the case
  • Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation
  • Litigating in court, if necessary, to hold responsible parties accountable

Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Indianapolis can handle all details of your case, from examining medical records to consulting with neurological experts.

Our Experience Handling Medical Malpractice Cases in Indiana

For insights into successful outcomes, we invite you to view our case results. They showcase our track record in medical malpractice litigation and our dedication to achieving the maximum compensation possible under Indiana law. For example, we’ve recently secured a $1,250,000 settlement for a medical malpractice victim, the maximum that can be claimed in a medical malpractice case in Indiana.

Every journey towards rectification starts with a free initial consultation, where we explore potential outcomes and devise case-specific strategies. We invite you to reach out to schedule a consultation with our team of lawyers to secure the compensation and closure you need.

Understanding the Causes of Stroke Misdiagnosis

Stroke misdiagnosis remains alarmingly common, affecting a significant portion of patients each year: according to a study found in the National Library of Medicine, this type of misdiagnosis affects an estimated 10-30% of patients in the U.S. annually.

In such situations, doctors’ oversight can lead to delayed treatment, irreversible damage, or even death. Some of the factors that contribute to misdiagnosis include:

  • Misreading diagnostic tests
  • Inadequate use of diagnostic tools
  • Failure to recognize early symptoms
  • Overlooking symptoms
  • Misinterpreting medical history

If your stroke misdiagnosis was caused by those factors or other factors that stem from negligence, then you have a medical malpractice case and are entitled by law to seek compensation for your damages and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Symptoms – Were the Signs of Stroke Overlooked?

The early signs of a stroke are critical for prompt treatment but are too often overlooked or misinterpreted. According to this study, there are an estimated 15,000–165,000 misdiagnosed cerebrovascular events annually in US EDs, disproportionately presenting with headache or dizziness.

Other signs of stroke include:

  • Change of vision
  • Confusion
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Trouble speaking
  • Trouble understanding speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Types of Strokes – Identifying Different Forms of Stroke

Strokes, broadly classified based on their cause and nature, significantly impact treatment options and patient outcomes. Here’s a closer look at the different forms of stroke:

  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is characterized by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. While symptoms may mirror those of a full-blown stroke, they typically resolve within a few hours without causing permanent damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign of potential future strokes, underscoring the need for immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent more severe occurrences.
  • Ischemic Stroke: The most common type of stroke, ischemic strokes, occur when a blood clot obstructs the flow of blood to the brain. These clots can form either in the brain’s blood vessels or elsewhere in the body, traveling to the brain and causing a blockage. The treatment for ischemic strokes often involves medications to dissolve the clot, such as Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA), and interventions to prevent future clots from forming.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes arise when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, leading to bleeding within or around the brain. This type of stroke can result from conditions like high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Treatment focuses on controlling the bleeding, reducing the pressure on the brain, and repairing the source of the hemorrhage.

The specific approach to treating each stroke type highlights the critical importance of a correct diagnosis—misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, potentially exacerbating the patient’s condition or missing the window for effective intervention.

Failure to Treat a Stroke With TPA

In the critical moments following a stroke, timely and appropriate medical intervention can mean the difference between recovery and significant, lasting damage. One of the most effective treatments for certain types of stroke is the administration of Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA), a medication designed to dissolve the blood clot that is causing the stroke. 

The failure to administer TPA when indicated can have dire consequences for the patient, leading to preventable complications or even death. This oversight not only represents a missed opportunity for potentially life-saving treatment but may also constitute medical malpractice if the failure to treat aligns with a deviation from established standards of care.

What is a TPA Stroke?

A TPA Stroke refers to an ischemic stroke that is treated with Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA), the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of this type of stroke within the first few hours of symptom onset. Ischemic strokes, which account for about 87% of all stroke cases, occur when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. TPA works by dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow, but it must be administered within a narrow window of time—typically within three to four and a half hours from the onset of symptoms—to be effective.

The decision to use TPA requires a rapid assessment of the patient, including a review of medical history and a CT scan to confirm the type of stroke and ensure there are no contraindications for its use. The precise and timely use of TPA can significantly reduce the severity of stroke-related disabilities and improve overall outcomes, making it a critical component of acute stroke management. However, the failure to administer TPA when it is indicated, due to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or any other reason, can leave healthcare providers liable for the resulting harm to the patient.

Steps We Take to Handle Medical Malpractice Claims Following a Stroke Misdiagnosis

Our assessment of potential medical malpractice lawsuits begins with a thorough review of the medical care provided, aligning with the standards set forth by Indiana’s law, specifically, the Indiana Code § 34-18. We meticulously evaluate the actions of healthcare providers against these standards to determine negligence. 

To achieve this, we review your medical records and consult with experts in the field, which allows us to build strong cases for compensation. We’ll take care of all aspects of the case on your behalf: you can focus on recovery and rest assured that a team of seasoned experts is taking care of pursuing justice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stroke Misdiagnosis in Indianapolis

What Happens If a Stroke Is Misdiagnosed?

Misdiagnosing a stroke can lead to devastating consequences, including permanent disability or death. Victims are entitled to compensation for medical negligence under Indiana’s law.

Can You Sue a Hospital for Not Diagnosing a Stroke?

Yes, hospitals can be held liable for failing to diagnose a stroke if their negligence contributed to the harm suffered by the patient.

Can You Sue a Doctor Who Misdiagnosed You?

Doctors can be sued for misdiagnosis if it can be proven that their failure to correctly diagnose a stroke led to additional harm.

Is Misdiagnosis the Same as Medical Malpractice?

A misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice when it results from a healthcare provider’s negligence, leading to harm or adverse outcomes for the patient.

Why You Need a Seasoned Stroke Misdiagnosis Lawyer in Indianapolis

Securing fair compensation in the wake of a stroke misdiagnosis demands legal expertise and a strategic approach. Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is equipped to provide both, ensuring your case is handled with efficiency and professionalism. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a stroke misdiagnosis, don’t hesitate to contact us today to explore how we can support you in this challenging time.