Carotid artery disease is a serious condition that causes narrowing of the arteries, which, if left untreated, can lead to transient ischemic attacks, strokes, and, in some instances, death. Therefore, proper diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications associated with carotid artery disease. Sadly, however, some physicians overlook the signs and symptoms indicating a patient is suffering from narrowing of the carotid arteries, leading to devastating injuries. In many instances, the failure to diagnose and treat carotid artery disease constitutes malpractice, and people harmed by such oversights can often pursue claims against the providers responsible for their harm. If you or a loved one were hurt by the careless failure to diagnose and treat carotid artery disease, it is advisable to speak to an attorney about your potential claims as soon as possible. The assertive Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at Arfaa Law Group are adept at demonstrating reckless physicians should be held accountable for the harm they cause, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Harm Caused by the Failure To Diagnose and Treat Carotid Artery DiseaseCarotid artery disease, also referred to as carotid artery stenosis, is a condition characterized by the narrowing or obstruction of the carotid arteries located in the neck, which are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. This narrowing is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the term used for the buildup of plaque along the artery walls. If left untreated, plaque can impede blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of severe complications such as strokes. If a piece of the plaque dislodges and travels to smaller arteries in the brain, it can lead to a stroke.
Diagnosis of carotid artery disease typically involves a combination of patient history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, angiography, CT scans, and MRIs. Depending on the severity of a patient’s symptoms, treatment options can include lifestyle adjustments, medication, and surgical interventions.
A doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat carotid artery disease in a timely manner can have serious consequences, including an increased likelihood of strokes that could result in lasting neurological damage or even death.
Elements of a Case Arising out of the Failure To Diagnose and Treat Carotid Artery DiseaseA plaintiff in a medical malpractice case generally must establish the negligence of the defendant healthcare provider in order to recover damages. Under Maryland law, this means that the plaintiff must show that a doctor-patient relationship existed, creating a duty owed by the healthcare provider to the patient. The duty a doctor owes a patient is to abide by the standard of care, which is the care that a reasonably competent healthcare provider in the same field would provide under similar circumstances
Subsequently, the plaintiff must prove that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and must directly link the defendant’s breach to their injuries or damages. In other words, the plaintiff must establish that the injuries suffered were a direct result of the defendant’s negligence and were not caused by any pre-existing conditions or intervening factors.
If the plaintiff successfully proves medical malpractice in Maryland, they may be entitled to various types of compensation. These can include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical costs directly resulting from the malpractice. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be recoverable.
Speak to an Experienced Baltimore AttorneyA doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat carotid artery disease can cause life-altering injuries, and physicians who neglect to offer their patients competent care should be held accountable for any harm they cause. If you suffered injuries due to a doctor’s acts or omissions, it is crucial to speak to an attorney about your options. The experienced Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your harm and advise you regarding what steps you can take to protect your rights. We regularly represent injured parties in medical malpractice lawsuits in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can contact us at (410) 889-1850 or through our online form to set up a meeting.