When medical malpractice occurs, one of the most devastating consequences involves severe brain injury or damage. The effects of a brain injury can be wide-ranging. While some injuries can result in minor cognitive impairment, other victims can enter into a permanent vegetative state or perish from the injuries. Victims who survive a head injury can be left with an extreme psychological impact and lifelong emotional strains.
Brain damage that is caused by medical negligence is often the result of a failure to provide oxygen to a patient’s brain during a procedure.
This is more often the case thantraumatic head injuries, which is cause by a piercing wound to the brain. Medical negligence that has the potential to cause brain injury can involve the following:
Birth-related incidents/ Allowing a Kernicterus occur on a newborn – Birth trauma can occur when there is a lack of oxygen to the newborn’s brain. In birth-related cases, there is a greater chance of traumatic brain injuries.
Anesthesia errors – Anesthesia errors can cause a person’s brain injury by means of a lack of oxygen to the brain. If the condition is allowed to persist, the outcome results in destroyed brain cells of the patient.
Stroke misdiagnosis/ heart attack misdiagnosis – A stroke or heart attack can cause a reduction in oxygen levels on a person’s brain. Upon stoke and/or heart attack diagnosis, the medical team should follow with administering oxygen to the patient in effort of preventing brain injury from occurring. Strokes in particularly release chemicals that are known to kill brain cells. By quickly diagnosing the patient, treatment can be administered to prevent the release of the cell-damaging chemicals.
Medical errors – Medical errors can transpire as a result of an incorrect administration of medication. Medication errors could result in reduced heart rates and breathing because of the overdose. This can ultimately cause oxygen deprivation, harmful drug intoxication, or other allergic reactions.
Undetected and untreated infections – Failing to diagnose and treat a patient for a brain infection in a timely manner can quickly result in an unnecessary brain injury. Serious infections can involve the following:
- Rabies
- Rubella
- Mumps
- Trichinosis
- Cerebral
cysticercoids - Abscesses
- Myelitis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
Seek the Legal Advice of an Attorney After a Brain Injury
When a person seeks medical attention, it is likely that the person will trust that the medical team in charge of caring for his or her wellbeing will act in the utmost standard of care. No person wants to believe that the medical staff will be negligent in the medical procedure. Unfortunately, medical malpractice is real and brain damage is a reoccurring consequence for people across the state. If you or someone you know suffered a brain injury because of medical malpractice, seek the legal advice of an attorney who is experienced in the matter.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are highly experienced in the field of medical malpractice cases involving severe brain injuries. The firm is dedicated to defending the rights of patients who have suffered at the hands of negligent medical care providers.
