Failure to Treat High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that impacts many people. High blood pressure often does not cause any symptoms, but it must be treated regardless, as uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications. A doctor’s failure to provide a patient with necessary treatment often constitutes negligence, and people who suffer health issues as a result may be able to recover damages. If you sustained losses due to a physician’s failure to treat high blood pressure, you should meet with a lawyer to discuss your options. At Arfaa Law Group, our knowledgeable Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are well-versed in what it takes to prove negligent care providers should be held accountable for the injuries they cause, and if we represent you, we will advocate assertively on your behalf.

High blood pressure is the term for the medical condition that occurs when the pressure in a person’s arteries is elevated above 130/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is usually easily managed with medication, diet, and exercise. However, if a doctor does not undertake the measures necessary to test for and treat high blood pressure, significant health issues often arise. For example, hypertension can increase the risk of heart attacks, congestive heart failure, the buildup of fluid in the lungs, kidney disease, stroke, and death. Thus, doctors must regularly check patient’s blood pressure and monitor and treat hypertensive patients.

If a person suffers complications due to high blood pressure, the physician charged with his or her care may be held accountable for medical malpractice. In Maryland, a plaintiff pursuing claims against a doctor must prove negligence. This requires the plaintiff to establish that the defendant had a duty to treat the plaintiff in compliance with the applicable standard, which is the care that a competent doctor that practices in the same specialty would offer in a given situation. The plaintiff must then prove that the defendant departed from the standard. In other words, that a competent practitioner would treat high blood pressure and the defendant’s failure to do so is a deviation from the standard. Last, the plaintiff must show damages proximately caused by the defendant’s departure. In other words, that the injuries suffered would not have occurred if the defendant offered the plaintiff proper treatment.

In most instances, the plaintiff will need to engage a medical expert to prove liability and damages. Usually, this will be someone who practices in the same field as the defendant, but in some instances, other professionals may be qualified to offer an expert opinion as well. The expert will typically explain the standard of care that applies in the case and the ways in which the defendant failed to comply with the standard. The expert will also link the defendant’s actions to the plaintiff’s harm.

Usually, expert testimony is also required to prove a plaintiff’s damages. Specifically, a plaintiff will need to retain an expert to explain the nature, extent, and permanency of the injuries suffered. This will generally include testimony establishing that any treatment rendered for complications arising out of the defendant’s failure to treat high blood pressure was reasonable and necessary and demonstrating what treatment may be needed in the future. An expert can also show what economic harm the plaintiff has suffered in addition to medical costs. For example, an economist may be able to demonstrate the lost wages or loss of future earnings sustained due to the defendant’s actions.

Like many chronic conditions, high blood pressure can cause grave harm if it is not adequately monitored and treated. If you were hurt due to a doctor’s failure to treat your high blood pressure, you might be able to pursue claims for damages, and you should consult an attorney. The lawyers of Arfaa Law Group can advise you of your potential claims and help you to seek the full extent of compensation recoverable under the law. We have an office in Baltimore, where we frequently represent people in medical malpractice cases. You can reach us through our form online or at (410) 889-1850 to set up a meeting.