It is not usually something you hear about unless it actually happens to you.
Or if you happen to see it on TV.
We are talking about compartment syndrome, a condition that can have serious and long-lasting health consequences for your muscle and nerve tissue if treated improperly. If a doctor or nurse fails to recognize the symptoms of compartment syndrome, a misdiagnosis could lead to permanent damage.
Here is the thing – compartment syndrome, while usually caused by a traumatic event, can also be caused by healthcare professionals IN a healthcare setting. If this happens, or a doctor fails to diagnose your condition, you may need a Drexel Hill compartment syndrome attorney. You can count on The Weitz Firm, LLC to be by your side.
Imagine for a moment that you are in an accident on a trampoline. You fall off and break your arm pretty badly. This trauma can lead to pressure building in your arm, cutting off blood flow to a portion of your arm’s muscle and nerve cells.
Less fresh blood moving to an area means less oxygen is going to your cells. If this is not diagnosed and treated, these cells will begin to die. The only way to relieve this pressure is by performing a procedure called a fasciotomy, which involves cutting into the muscle to relieve pressure.
If a doctor fails to recognize and diagnose compartment syndrome, they could be the cause of permanent damage. Diagnosing errors cause the most patient harm to any other medical mistake, according to Johns Hopkins researchers.
Even patients who do not have a severe injury could develop compartment syndrome, especially if they are on blood thinners. That is why it is so important for doctors and nurses to obtain a full medical history, including what medications a patient is on, so they are working with all the information they need.
Compartment syndrome can also occur during a surgical procedure. If a surgeon is working on an area of someone’s body and has temporarily stopped blood flow to that area, restoring blood flow can cause compartment syndrome. Doctors and nurses need to be aware of this risk and monitor patients closely.
There have also been cases of compartment syndrome developing due to a splint, bandage, or cast being applied too tightly.
Medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the US. Imagine how many injuries these mistake causes that are not fatal.
Compartment syndrome is a serious medical condition. If not diagnosed and treated properly, a person can suffer from muscle and nerve damage. They could even have permanent disabilities.
If a doctor failed to recognize and diagnose this condition, or if a medical professional caused compartment syndrome, you should seek legal assistance immediately. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, our experienced and knowledgeable medical team understands these issues and will work with you to secure the compensation you deserve. When you need a medical malpractice lawyer in Drexel Hill, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.
