When you're recovering from an accident, the last thing you expect is for a life-threatening medical condition to go undiagnosed. Yet, in the case of aortic dissection—a serious cardiac injury—failure to identify and treat it in time can lead to devastating consequences. This is not just a medical issue; it often becomes legal, with cases of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis leading to claims of medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the failure to diagnose aortic dissection after an accident, it’s vital to understand the risks, the responsibility of your healthcare provider, and the importance of taking action now.
What Is Aortic Dissection, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Aortic dissection occurs when there’s a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aorta wall, causing them to separate. Left untreated, the condition can lead to rupture, organ failure, stroke, or even death.
Symptoms of aortic dissection often mimic less severe conditions. You might experience sudden, severe chest or back pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, or even nausea—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a heart attack or muscle-related injuries, particularly in individuals who’ve recently sustained trauma from an accident.
The problem? When the condition is misdiagnosed or overlooked, treatment is delayed, and those crucial early moments—when life-saving interventions are most effective—are lost.
How Does Failure to Diagnose Happen?
The failure to diagnose aortic dissection isn’t just about an unfortunate error; it often stems from negligence. Here’s where things can go wrong:
- Failure to Perform Appropriate Tests: A simple imaging test, like a chest CT, MRI, or an echocardiogram, could reveal the aortic dissection. It's a missed opportunity when healthcare providers fail to order these tests despite a patient displaying risk factors.
- Incomplete Medical History: If your doctor didn’t ask about or consider your full medical history—such as high blood pressure or prior trauma—they may overlook key clues that point to aortic dissection.
- Rushing to Judgment: Sometimes, medical professionals jump to conclusions based on surface-level symptoms without digging deeper. For example, attributing chest pain to anxiety or muscular strain bypasses the potential for more serious conditions.
- Ignoring Patient Complaints: Patients often know when something feels off, but their voices are often dismissed. When a provider brushes aside your concerns, it poses serious risks.
The Legal Implications of Medical Malpractice
Failure to diagnose aortic dissection isn’t just a tragic oversight—it may be medical malpractice. Medical professionals have a duty of care to assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses adequately and promptly. If they fail to meet that standard, they may be held liable.
Here’s how medical malpractice may apply to your case:
- Delayed Diagnosis: If clear signs were missed or dismissed, and this delay led to complications or worsening of your condition, it could constitute malpractice.
- Failure to Treat Properly: Even when aortic dissection is diagnosed, the failure to provide timely or appropriate treatment can be grounds for a claim.
- Lack of Communication: If your provider didn't explain your condition, tests, or treatment options in a way that allowed you to make informed decisions, their negligence could be held accountable.
Building a medical malpractice case involves proving that the healthcare provider failed in their duty of care and that this failure directly caused harm. Partnering with a qualified personal injury attorney ensures this complex legal process is handled by someone with experience—allowing you to focus on healing.
What to Do If You’ve Suffered from a Misdiagnosis
If you suspect failure to diagnose an aortic dissection caused harm to you or a loved one, here are steps to take:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if it’s after the fact, addressing symptoms of a potential aortic dissection is critical. A second opinion or transfer to a specialized cardiac care team could save your life.
2. Request Your Medical Records
Your medical records are vital evidence for your case. They’ll show what tests were—or weren’t—performed, the timeline of events, and any notes your medical team made.
3. Document Everything
Keep a written record of your symptoms and experiences. Include details about conversations with healthcare providers, treatments, or tests you underwent and how the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis affected your recovery.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
An attorney with experience in medical malpractice can help you understand your rights, investigate your claim, and build a strong case. They’ll know how to work with expert witnesses to establish where negligence occurred and quantify the damages you deserve.
5. Focus on Your Recovery
The strain of both a medical and legal battle can be immense. Lean on your support network and trust your legal team to advocate for you.
Austin Medical Malpractice Lawyers
At National Trial Law, we are committed to supporting individuals affected by medical malpractice, including cases involving aortic dissection. Our experienced team in Austin, TX, is dedicated to advocating for patients' rights and ensuring they receive the compensation and care they deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a misdiagnosis or medical error, we encourage you to contact us today at (833) 913-1885 for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice and secure the justice you deserve.