How Medical Malpractice Harms The Brain

Surgical mistakes, medication errors, delayed diagnosis and other forms of medical negligence may cause significant brain damage. Crandall & Pera Law has sadly witnessed lives changed forever after medical malpractice permanently or fatally harmed a person’s brain.

The impact of brain injuries can be wide-ranging – and the victims deserve to find justice in court. If you or your family member has suffered from medical errors in Ohio or Kentucky, we can fight for you.

The lawyers of Crandall & Pera Law understand the challenges associated with cases like these. As former malpractice defense lawyers, we can anticipate what kinds of arguments the “other side” will make, and create strategies that address those potential problems. We offer free consultations where we listen to your story, answer your questions and present the legal options available given the specifics of your case.

Here are two examples of how this can happen. Our client was in the hospital for injuries related to an accident at his home. This accident would not have resulted in permanent injury but was serious enough to require a breathing tube until he improved. His breathing tube was blocked by secretions and his vital signs worsened, however the nursing staff failed to appreciate the deterioration in his condition.

 

Eventually he suffered a respiratory arrest, which led to severe and permanent brain damage rendering him unable to care for himself. The settlement will enable his care to be increased and may allow his family to purchase the equipment necessary to bring him home and to travel for additional therapies. The case settled for $2.9 million.

 

In another case, nurses failed to monitor our client after medication was prescribed, and she suffered a significant brain injury. While no amount of money can even make up for the time and quality of life lost, the $1.6 million settlement will help pay for lifelong care and offer the family future financial security.

Each and every case is different, and these example settlement figures are not a guarantee of similar outcomes for other clients and cases.

Brain Injuries Due To Medication

Medical professionals must be cautious when prescribing and administering certain drugs, such as anesthesia. Some drugs may affect a patient’s breathing, and a lack of oxygen while under their influence could damage his or her brain. For example, Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an extremely potent drug for pain relief. It belongs to a class of drugs with trade names such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Percocet. Excessive dosage can depress respiration to the point of brain damage.

If the medical provider fails to routinely check the patient’s status or administers the wrong dosage, they may put the patient in danger. The patient may code and then be left with brain damage even if resuscitated.

Failure To Keep The Airway Clear Can Deprive The Brain Of Oxygen

It is imperative that surgeons, doctors and nurses keep the airways clear during medical procedures to avoid oxygen loss. Loss of oxygen to the brain can cause catastrophic damage within minutes. A total loss of oxygen to the brain is called cerebral anoxia. A partial loss is called hypoxia.

Some of the common reasons airway failure happens are:

• Surgical errors. Arteries can be cut during throat, vocal cord or thyroid surgeries, which can cause an overflow of blood that can block an airway.
• Incorrect insertion of intubation tubes. Intubation tubes, which are placed in the trachea (windpipe) to help keep the airway open, if improperly inserted can cause loss of oxygen.
• Incorrect administration of CPR or failing to administer CPR in a timely fashion.

We know how devastating brain injury cases can be for the patient and their family. Our legal and medical team will guide you through each step of the case to understand exactly what happened.

Delayed Diagnosis And Infections Can Damage The Brain

Brain injuries may result from several other medical malpractice issues, including delayed diagnosis. For example, a patient unknowingly suffers from a brain tumor, but their doctor fails to properly investigate, diagnose or treat their symptoms. As the tumor grows, the patient may suffer undue brain damage.

Serious infections and sepsis may also lead to brain injuries. Medical providers must ensure that all medical equipment is sterile before use. They must also monitor patients’ health after surgery and at care facilities to stop any infection before it affects the brain.

Consult A Knowledgeable Lawyer

Our experienced team of attorneys can discuss your case today. Call 855-444-6651 or message us online for a free consultation. We have offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Lexington, but we can meet you where most convenient.