Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Help
$2.8 Million Combined Jury Verdict and Settlement in Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit and Wrongful Death Claim
Attorney Eric Weinberg has obtained a $2.8 million combined jury verdict and settlement on behalf of the family of a surgical patient who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism two weeks after surgery. The jury found the consulting infectious disease physician negligent for failing to diagnose and treat the condition despite the patient’s ongoing signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. Attorney Weinberg had previously obtained a settlement from two orthopedic surgeons who failed to prescribe blood thinners to their patient, despite multiple risk factors for developing blood clots following surgery.
Call for a Free Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered a pulmonary embolism or blood clots and you have a question regarding your legal rights, please submit the easy use Free Legal Case Evaluation Form found on this page, or call us toll free at 877-934-6274. We promise to bring our more than 30 years of experience litigating personal injury cases to bear on your behalf.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The blockage is actually a blood clot or blood clots that have traveled to the lungs from another part of the body. These traveling blood clots commonly form in the deep veins of the legs, and are called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Because a PE can block the flow of blood to the lungs, it can be disabling or fatal.
Pulmonary Embolism and Blood Clot Risk Factors
Following, is a list of medical conditions that may put you or a loved one at risk for developing a PE or DVT:
- Current or previous diagnosis of blood clots, or previous pulmonary embolism
- Hospitalization
- Recent surgery
- Recent period of immobilization, e.g., bed rest or an immobilization cast
- Prolonged air plane or car travel
- Recent broken bone
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Pregnancy, or recent birth
- Increased age
- Some medications, including hormonal birth control, e.g., Yaz or hormonal therapy in women, and testosterone therapy in men.
- Previous stroke or heart attack
- Physical trauma or injury
- Recent spinal cord injury
- Family history of blood clots
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Inherited or genetic blood clotting condition which increases clotting, e.g., Factor V Leiden
- Central venous catheter
- Varicose veins
- Current or recent infection
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
PE and DVT are Preventable and Treatable
Deep vein thrombosis and a resulting pulmonary embolism is considered a leading preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients in the United States.
In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism*, which concluded that proven medical practices can assess patient risk; and prevent, diagnose, and treat DVT and PE in the at risk patient. Sadly, the Surgeon General’s Call also concluded that patients who could benefit from these proven medical practices may not receive them because too many health care providers are not aware of the practices, nor are these practices applied to patient care in a consistent and routine manner.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuits
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted medical standards of care, causing injury or death to a patient. Pulmonary embolism resulting in patient injury or death may be the result of medical malpractice if the physician has deviated from the standards of care by failing to assess a patient’s risk for a DVT/PE event, provide preventive or prophylactic DVT/PE measures, or diagnose and treat DVT/PE.
Under the appropriate circumstances, person may also file a pulmonary embolism lawsuit if they suffered a DVT or PE as the result of a drug side effect.
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
Some pulmonary embolism victims may experience PE symptoms while others may experience no symptoms at all. In addition, some PE victims experience DVT symptoms only. Because a PE is a medical emergency, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any PE or DVT symptoms. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include:
- Chest pain
- Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Cough or cough with blood
- Wheezing
- Irregular heart beat (arrhythmia)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Bluish tint to skin, or paleness
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Increased or rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
Blood Clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Since a pulmonary embolism is a complication of a deep vein thrombosis or blood clot, it is important that patients and their families recognize the symptoms of a DVT. A DVT is a medical emergency, and it is critical to seek medical attention if you experience any DVT symptoms. DVT symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the leg or along the vein of the leg
- Leg pain and tenderness. Skin in affected area may appear red or discolored and be warm to the touch.
Obtain a Free Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuit Case Evaluation
Attorney Eric Weinberg represents medical malpractice victims, including those who have suffered the consequences of a pulmonary embolism or DVT. Our firm also represents individuals who have suffered a blood clot or pulmonary embolism related to medication use, including for example, testosterone and Yaz. For a free legal case evaluation, please call our firm 24/7, toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact us online by using the easy-to-use “free legal case evaluation form” found on this page. Please see The Weinberg Law Firm to learn more about out legal services.
