When a pulmonary embolism (PE) is not timely diagnosed, the consequences can be devastating. PE is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, and failure to diagnose it in time leads to a cascade of severe injuries.
Injuries Due To Failure to Timely Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism
One of the most serious consequences of untreated PE is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This occurs when blood clots do not dissolve properly, leading to long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. The increased pressure strains the heart and can lead to heart failure over time.
The heart must work harder to pump blood through the lungs when a PE occurs, and when untreated, this strain can weaken the heart muscles, eventually causing heart failure. In severe cases, heart failure can be irreversible, significantly decreasing the quality of life and leading to premature death.
Increased Chance of Death
PE is one of the leading causes of sudden death in hospitals, and the likelihood increases significantly when a diagnosis is delayed. The longer a PE goes untreated, the greater the likelihood that the clot will block more blood vessels in the lungs, further reducing oxygen levels and placing stress on vital organs.
Up to 30% of patients with undiagnosed or untreated PE do not survive, compared to 8% with timely intervention, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
Emotional and Financial Toll of Undiagnosed PE on Patients and Families
Beyond the physical health impacts, the failure to diagnose PE can place an enormous emotional and financial burden on patients and their families.
Lengthy Recovery Periods
Even after diagnosis, patients often face long recovery periods. Rehabilitation may be required to regain normal lung and heart function, particularly in cases where PE has progressed to pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. This recovery can take months or never occurs.
Disability or Death
In some cases, PE can leave patients with permanent disabilities, such as chronic shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced physical capacity. These long-term complications may force individuals to retire early, adjust their lifestyles, or become dependent on caregivers.
For families, the death of a loved one due to undiagnosed PE can be traumatic, leading to grief, stress, and significant emotional strain.
Financial Strain
The medical costs associated with treating advanced-stage PE or its complications can be substantial. These may include long hospital stays, surgical procedures, ongoing medications, and rehabilitative care. Families may also face loss of income if the patient is no longer able to work or if a family member must become a full-time caregiver.
In cases of permanent disability or death, life insurance and disability claims may provide some financial relief, but they are often insufficient to cover the full emotional and economic toll of losing a family member or dealing with chronic illness. Working with a Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help families recover compensation that will cover all costs associated with the incident.
Legal Repercussions and Malpractice Claims
In situations where the failure to diagnose PE leads to severe complications or death, patients or their families may seek legal action.
Medical malpractice involves situations in which healthcare providers fail to recognize the signs of PE, delay appropriate testing, or misinterpret diagnostic results. Patients or their families may file medical malpractice lawsuits to be fairly compensated and to hold healthcare institutions or individual practitioners accountable for negligence.
Compensation for Damages
Malpractice lawsuits can result in compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, and emotional distress. In death cases, the damages include loss of society and loss of financial support. While this financial compensation can help ease the burden, it cannot reverse the damage caused by a missed diagnosis.
Your Recovery Starts With the Right Legal Support
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the failure to timely diagnose pulmonary embolism, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. At Clifford Law, we understand the devastating effects that medical negligence can have on your life, and we’re here to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you. Contact Clifford Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us now at (312) 899-9090 or use our online form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
