Stroke Lawyer Philadelphia

 

Call a Philadelphia stroke lawyer for a free medical malpractice consultation anytime. When there is proof that a stroke caused a loved one to suffer from permanent brain damage (TBI) or paralysis and that the Philadelphia stroke could have been prevented, then a doctor or Philly hospital may be liable for medical negligence in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. At the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm, our Philadelphia stroke malpractice lawyers are available to meet you and your family member at any Philadelphia hospital to help make sure your loved one gets the treatment they deserve. Call today for a free stroke consultation.

 

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain causes cell death. The brain cells deteriorate due to lack of oxygen. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding. Both cause parts of the brain to stop functioning properly. Causing Philadelphia brain damage or paralysis. Each type of stroke can also be caused by Philadelphia medical malpractice.

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Doctors sometimes fail in their duty. How is a misdiagnosis of stroke possible?

 

There are a number of ways in which doctors can commit errors in administering treatments to a patient who is at risk for suffering from a stroke. A doctor may improperly read test results. They may fail to consult specialists in neurology who can assist in providing treatments for a stroke victim. They can fail to diagnose because of their negligence. For example: when a patient is too young to have a stroke or doesn’t complete any of the risk factors such as being diabetic, obese or tobacco smoking. Many cases of medical malpractice are caused by Philadelphia doctors’ negligence. The Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm stroke malpractice attorneys in Philadelphia are here to help provide justice for your Philly stroke lawsuit. We do this by preparing for every possibility, including completing investigations and collecting proof against the hospital and the negligent doctors at fault. Call a Philadelphia stroke attorney today for a free consultation. 

 

Philadelphia Stroke Signs and Symptoms

 

There are multiple signs or symptoms of a stroke, those include:

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• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

 

Main causes of a stroke in Philadelphia

 

Stroke can be caused by many things - the risk of getting one can be exacerbated by the following risk factors:

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• High blood pressure, also known as hypertension. 

• Tobacco abuse and addiction. 

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Heart disease - this condition includes defective heart valves as well as atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat.

• Medical Malpractice in Philadelphia or surgical error

 

Stroke Recovery Stages and After-Effects of a Stroke

 

Recovery time after a Philadelphia stroke is different for everyone - it can take weeks, months, or even years. Some people recover fully, but others have long-term or lifelong disabilities. The worst-case scenario is permanent brain damage (TBI) and paralysis. Additional damages include: permanent loss of their job, loss of the ability to work, loss of financial income and medical insurance. Sometimes there's only one person who earns money for the whole family. If that person suffers a Philadelphia stroke, then loss of their job will hurt many people including spouse and dependent children. Call a stroke attorney in Philadelphia PA today for a free consultation.

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Philadelphia Stroke Lawyer

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Family members of a loved one who has suffered from a Philly stroke can get in touch with our failure-to-diagnose stroke lawyers in Philadelphia to receive immediate help and a free initial consultation of their potential case against a physician or Philadelphia hospital. They can get compensated for medical expenses and personal losses including medical costs, pain and suffering and unemployment caused by stroke medical malpractice in Philadelphia County. A Philadelphia stroke attorney at Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm can help family members claim damages to recover financial compensation for the loss of health of a loved one and any other damages that are covered under the laws and statutes of the state of Pennsylvania.

 

Cost of Stroke and Stroke Rehab

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Stroke medical expenses can be very costly: being in the hospital, physical therapy, medicines, medical equipment, etc. The cost of living for the patient after a stroke will increase significantly, especially in the first months or even years. A person who suffered a stroke will have to pay more for long-term ambulatory care (35% higher), and for nursing homes it is 17.5% compared to pre-stroke outcomes. Many patient family members need to take loans and accrue debt to finance stroke rehab for their loved one. This can destroy the family budget for many years. We have many cases where the spouse or parent of our client has to quit the job to nurse the patient. 

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Common physical conditions after a stroke include:

 

• Weakness, paralysis, and problems with balance or coordination

• Pain, numbness, or burning and tingling sensations

• Fatigue, which may continue after you return home

• Memory loss 

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Generalized pain which can provide to painkillers addiction 

 

Stroke Malpractice Settlements

 

A Philadelphia stroke is a life-threatening condition that can result in severe disabilities and damages. Although the medical community has clearly defined warning signs indicative of stroke and established protocol for health care providers who treat stroke victims, many people suffer debilitating injuries or medical malpractice wrongful death due to the negligence of healthcare providers who fail to properly diagnose, treat, or manage stroke. Our Philadelphia stroke lawyers have had success achieving medical malpractice settlements once we prove the Philadelphia hospital acted in a negligent manner. 

 

Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis Litigation

 

Another case of Philly stroke misdiagnosis happens when a doctor misdiagnoses a stroke as another illness. The doctor can try to heal the patient by prescribing medicines for the wrong illness, and thus, do more harm than good. There is a risk that the prescribed medicine can worsen the patient’s condition and make the victim suffer even more.

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Other potential ways in which a Philadelphia doctor can provide negligent care include:

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• Failure to analyze the medical history of a patient,

• Failure to do a thorough reading of test results,

• Misdiagnosis of stroke as another illness,

• Failure to provide timely healthcare,

• Failure to provide a physical examination,

 

Philadelphia Wrongful Death Due to Stroke Malpractice 

 

The Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm stroke malpractice lawyers are available to help the victims of stroke in Philadelphia PA. Our stroke attorneys represent families who have lost loved ones or need help coping with the devastating effects of stroke medical malpractice in Philadelphia. Family members may also be able to file a Philadelphia wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one has died as a result of a doctor’s failure to diagnose a stroke in Philly. In such cases, the compensation can cover medical expenses before the patient’s wrongful death, funeral costs and family members’ financial suffering after the loss of their loved one.

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Philadelphia Stroke Misdiagnosis - Alarming Statistics

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Stroke is one of the most devastating medical emergencies, both in terms of mortality and long-term disabilities. Globally, stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death, with ischemic strokes being more common but often less recognized than hemorrhagic strokes. According to the National Institute of Health, each year, over 13.7 million people worldwide experience a stroke, and nearly 5.5 million die from it. In the U.S., it is a leading cause of adult disability, leaving millions of survivors with life-altering impairments, ranging from motor deficits to cognitive disabilities.

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What Are the Consequences of Philadelphia Mini-Stroke Misdiagnosis?

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Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for mitigating stroke-related damage, yet misdiagnoses remain alarmingly common. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 15% of ischemic strokes are misdiagnosed, especially transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often referred to as "mini-strokes." TIAs are frequently mistaken for migraines, seizures, or vertigo due to overlapping symptoms. About one-third of people who have TIA go on to have a much more severe stroke within a year. Misdiagnosing or ignoring TIAs can lead to full-blown strokes, significantly increasing the risk of severe disability or death. Studies show that women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, making their strokes more prone to misdiagnosis than men's.

 

Can Newborns, Children and Adolescents Have Stroke?

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The consequences of Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis are severe. Delays in treatment can escalate brain damage, reduce the efficacy of interventions like clot-dissolving drugs, and lead to permanent disabilities such as paralysis or speech impairment. Philadelphia stroke misdiagnoses disproportionately affect younger adults, with stroke accounting for thousands of deaths annually in those under 50. National Institute of Health serves a reminder that strokes also occur in children and even newborns, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 3,500 live births, and approximately 1–2 cases per 100,000 children annually, with increased risk during specific periods such as the perinatal phase, early childhood (under age 5), and adolescence. These developmental stages present distinct vulnerabilities due to factors like congenital heart disease, blood disorders, or complications during birth. Perinatal strokes, which occur around the time of birth, are more common and can lead to lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or learning impairments. In pregnant women, strokes, including maternal and perinatal cases, can result in miscarriage or lifelong disabilities for both mother and child.

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How Had the Philadelphia Stroke Age-Adjusted Prevalence Changed Over the Years?

 

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) the age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported stroke rose from 2.7% in the period of 2011–2013 to 2.9% in 2020–2022, reflecting a 7.8% increase. In 2020–2022, stroke prevalence was highest among individuals aged 65 and older, at 7.7%, while adults between 18 and 44 years had the lowest prevalence, recorded at 0.9%. This trend highlights an aging population's vulnerability to stroke, with younger adults being comparatively less affected.

 

How Many Philadelphia Strokes Are Preventable?

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke annually, with over 140,000 fatalities and many survivors left with lasting disabilities. This is particularly concerning given that approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. High blood pressure remains the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke, making its prevention, early diagnosis, and management through medications and lifestyle changes essential. Healthcare systems, including hospitals, physicians, rehabilitation experts, emergency responders, and pharmacists, play a crucial role in mitigating stroke risks and enhancing outcomes for those affected. Failure to address and answer to the arising risks and issues leading to preventable strokes, may be grounds to hold those healthcare providers liable in Philadelphia medical malpractice claim.

 

When Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis occurs, it often becomes a matter of medical malpractice. Individuals harmed by Philadelphia stroke misdiagnosis may seek the help of our specialized stroke medical malpractice lawyers to pursue justice. The Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm’s attorneys are also dedicated to reminding people about how crucial stroke prevention is and enforcing health care providers’ safety measurements. Raising awareness about the importance of rapid stroke recognition, especially with atypical presentations, is key to reducing these devastating outcomes.

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Philadelphia stroke warning signs misdiagnosis - transient ischemic attack misdiagnosis 

 

A TIA - transient ischemic attack, also known as a ministroke,  is a temporary condition with symptoms similar to a stroke. A TIA usually is milder than a significant stroke and lasts only a few minutes. A TIA is

less severe and hazardous than an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and does not cause permanent brain damage. The transient ischemic attack occurs for similar reasons as an ischemic stroke but does not lead to brain cell death. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause mild, temporary disabilities such as slurred speech, blurred vision, balance issues, walking difficulties and weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of the body. Most patients feel relieved after a while, but unfortunately, this is not the end of the story. Call a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer to discuss a TIA today.

 

A TIA, often called a ministroke, maybe a warning. About 1 in 3 people with a TIA will eventually have a major stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the ministroke. A TIA can serve as both a warning of a future stroke and an opportunity to prevent it. Philadelphia doctors should be aware of the hazards of future strokes and inform the patient. Prompt evaluation and identification of potentially treatable conditions may help to prevent a stroke. Physicians should diagnose manageable and congenital risk factors, recommend healthier lifestyle choices, and administer anticoagulant treatment if needed. Failing to diagnose a ministroke or to inform the patient about potential hazards associated with a TIA may lead to a major stroke. This is Philadelphia medical malpractice. If the stroke occurs right after the TIA because of a healthcare professional's negligence, it may be a basis for a Philadelphia medical malpractice claim. The Philly doctor may be liable for the injury if the stroke could have been prevented by managing blood pressure or cholesterol levels and causing major damage, especially if the doctor has doubts about the patient's medical history or has known coexisting conditions or malfunctions. Healthcare providers have a duty to their patients and owe them medical attention, proper diagnosis, reasonable treatment, and adequate medical information. Call a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation.

 

Contact Philadelphia Stroke Attorney Today

 

You can contact a Philadelphia stroke attorney from the Hoover Medical Malpractice Law Firm by calling 267-490-3988. We are happy to meet you at any local Philadelphia hospital. Our office is located at 2133 Arch St., Suite 103, Philadelphia PA 19103.