DC Aortic-Aneurysm Malpractice Lawyer

The aorta is the body’s main artery, which originates from the heart’s left ventricle and which runs down to the abdomen where it splits into the smaller iliac arteries. The aorta is the largest artery within the body and it carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart throughout the rest of the body. Unfortunately, aneurysms – or abnormal bulges- can form within this artery when the artery walls become weak and pressure causes the artery to push outward.  When an aneurysm forms within the aortic artery, it could potentially be life threatening.

Aortic-aneurysms caused 10,597 deaths to occur in 2009 and contributed to more than 17,215 fatalities over the course of the same year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  If not correctly diagnosed, the aneurysm can rupture or other complications can occur which are potentially fatal. Medical care providers must be aware of risk factors and must conduct appropriate testing and make an accurate diagnosis.

If a failure to diagnose occurs or an aortic aneurysm is improperly treated, a care provider could be held accountable for losses. A DC aortic-aneurysm malpractice lawyer can provide assistance to victims and their families in pursuing a claim.

Aortic-Aneurysm Risks

There are two primary types of aortic aneurysms:

• Thoracic aortic aneurysm: This occurs in the chest, often as a result of a sudden injury or high blood pressure. Inherited disorders can also increase the risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Symptoms include chest and upper back pain; breathing and swallowing difficulties; and shortness of breath.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: This is the more common type of aneurysm and can occur due to injury, infection, or hardened arteries. It is usually asymptomatic but could cause pain in the buttocks, groin, legs, back or side.

Medicine and/or surgical treatment is necessary if you are diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. Without proper treatment, patients could be at risk of the aneurysm bursting and causing internal bleeding or could be at risk of dissection when the artery wall splits and blood leaks out. Both complications may be life-threatening or fatal.

Aortic-Aneurysm Medical Malpractice

Failure to diagnose and properly treat an aortic-aneurysm can result in a medical malpractice claim. Victims could potentially pursue a case for compensation if they can prove:

• Their doctor should have recommended screening and failed to do so. The CDC indicates all men age 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should be screened for an aneurysm, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. Those who sustain certain types of injuries should also undergo testing.
• X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs were incorrectly performed; lab test results were mixed up; or caregivers failed to provide test results and follow up.
• Surgical complications caused aortic damage which resulted in an aortic aneurysm.
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis occurred because a doctor failed to recognize clear signs of an aortic aneurysm.

These are just a few examples of situations where aortic aneurysm malpractice may have occurred. Patients or family members of patients who experienced complications due to an aneurysm should speak with a legal professional to find out if they can prove a claim of medical negligence.

Getting Help from an Aortic-Aneurysm Malpractice Lawyer

If you or someone you love experienced dissection, rupture, or any other complications from an aortic aneurysm, you may be able to make a claim against both the doctor who misdiagnosed or failed to properly treat you, as well as against a medical center where you received care. Contact a DC aortic-aneurysm malpractice lawyer today to find out if you can make a case for compensation.