Brain injuries caused by medical malpractice result from a healthcare provider’s negligent or reckless actions. Some examples of medical malpractice that could result in a brain injury include:
- Failing to diagnose and treat a brain injury or condition promptly.
- Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage of drugs.
- Surgical errors, such as puncturing the brain during surgery
- Failing to properly monitor a patient’s vital signs and respond to signs of distress
If a brain injury results from medical malpractice, seek legal advice from a Charleston brain injury attorney. They can help you understand your options and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Types of Brain Injuries Resulting From Medical Malpractice
The several types of brain injuries that can result from medical malpractice include:
- Anoxic brain injury: An anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. It can happen if a healthcare provider fails to monitor and support a patient’s breathing or if their airway becomes blocked during a medical procedure.
- Hypoxic brain injury: A hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is partially deprived of oxygen. It can arise when a healthcare provider fails to recognize and treat a patient’s low oxygen levels or if a patient’s oxygen supply is disrupted during a medical procedure.
- Cerebral edema: Cerebral edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the brain, causing it to swell. Various factors, like infections, head injuries, and certain medications, cause it. If left untreated, cerebral edema leads to brain injury.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: It’s a type of stroke that occurs due to a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding into the brain tissue. It can be caused by medical errors such as incorrect medication dosages or improper monitoring during surgery.
- Ischemic stroke: Happens when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked by a blood clot blocks, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain tissue. It can result from medical errors such as failing to properly diagnose and treat a patient’s blood clotting disorders or failing to prescribe appropriate blood thinners.
Not all brain injuries result from medical malpractice. Brain injuries can occur after accidents, violence, shaking a baby, or birth injury trauma.
Effects of Brain Injury After Medical Malpractice
The effects of a brain injury can vary depending on the injury’s severity and the affected part of the brain. Some common effects of brain injuries resulting from medical malpractice can include the following:
- Physical impairments: A brain injury can cause a range of physical impairments, including weakness, paralysis, and difficulties with coordination and balance.
- Cognitive impairments: A brain injury can also cause cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with memory, concentration, and problem-solving.
- Emotional and behavioral changes: Brain injuries can also lead to emotional and behavioral changes, such as mood swings, depression, and difficulty controlling impulses.
- Sensory impairments: A brain injury may also cause sensory impairments, such as problems with hearing, vision, or the sense of touch.
The severity and specific effects will depend on the affected area of the brain and the extent of the damage. Some brain injuries may resolve over time, while others may result in permanent impairments. Seek medical attention and follow the treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider to minimize the potential long-term effects of a brain injury.
Compensation After Medical Malpractice Brain Injury
In many states, you are eligible for compensation for damages if you can prove that you suffered a brain injury resulting from medical malpractice. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’re in Charleston, the South Carolina statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is three years from when the malpractice transpired or within three years of the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury.
