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Long Beach Delayed Treatment of Strokes Attorneys: Nursing Homes

Skilled help when California nursing homes fail to recognize or treat symptoms of stroke

In nursing homes, providing timely medical care is of utmost importance, especially in urgent situations like strokes. However, instances of delayed treatment of strokes in nursing homes can have severe consequences for residents. Such delays can result in permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, and even fatalities. When nursing homes fail to recognize the urgency of stroke symptoms and do not provide prompt medical attention, it represents a serious breach of their duty to care for their residents.

If your loved one in a nursing home has experienced delayed treatment of a stroke, their health and well-being are at serious risk. Taking immediate action is crucial to protect their rights and seek justice for the harm caused. The California nursing home neglect attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere have the experience and skill to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for their actions and diligently fight for the compensation your loved one deserves. We understand the importance of advocating for the well-being of your loved one, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.

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What are the two types of stroke?

Strokes are generally categorized in two ways, per Johns Hopkins Medicine:

  • Ischemic strokes. These are strokes caused by blockage of an artery (or, in rare instances, a vein). About 87% of all strokes are ischemic.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke. These are strokes caused by bleeding. About 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic.

Ischemic strokes can be caused by clots that develop within the blood vessels of the brain (thrombotic) or by clots or plaque that travel to the brain via the bloodstream (embolic).

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year, and out of these cases, 137,000 patients do not survive. It is also crucial to highlight that "About 610,000 of these cases are first strokes, and 185,000 people who survive a stroke will have another stroke within 5 years."

Given these alarming statistics, nursing homes must be vigilant in recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke, especially in patients who have previously experienced a stroke. Timely identification and intervention can significantly impact the outcome and potentially save lives.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

The signs and symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the part of the brain affected. However, some common symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech, making it challenging to communicate effectively.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, leading to blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss in one eye.
  • Sudden dizziness, imbalance, or difficulty walking, making it hard to maintain stability or move properly.
  • Sudden and severe headache, unlike any other experienced before, which could be indicative of a serious stroke.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early treatment can help reduce the damage caused by the stroke and improve the chances of recovery.

Here are some additional tips to help remember the symptoms of a stroke:

  • FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
  • BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911.

Nursing homes should be well-informed about recognizing these symptoms and have protocols in place to address them promptly. Identifying and responding swiftly to stroke symptoms can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome and overall well-being.

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Who is at most risk for a stroke?

The NIH discusses the factors that put someone most at risk of a stroke or death from a stroke, including:

  • “Race/ethnicity.African Americans have almost two times the risk of white people of having a first stroke. Hispanic Americans and American Indian/Alaska Natives are at greater risk than whites are for having a stroke but are at less risk than African Americans. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to die after having a stroke.
  • Stroke risk increases with age. Three-quarters of strokes occur in people ages 65 and older.
  • The highest U.S. death rates from stroke occur in the southeastern United States.
  • Men are more likely than women to have a stroke.”

Additionally, the following can increase the risk of stroke:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heart disease
  • Previous stroke

If you or your loved one are at risk, the nursing home should be fully aware of this and should take appropriate precautions.

What are the complications of strokes?

Strokes can lead to various complications, which can vary based on the type of stroke, the specific area of the brain affected, and the severity of brain damage. Some common complications of strokes include:

The extent and combination of these complications will vary among stroke survivors and depend on factors such as the type and location of the stroke, pre-existing health conditions, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation and post-stroke care. Early medical intervention is essential in minimizing complications and promoting recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.

How should strokes be treated?

For the best possible outcome, it is crucial to treat a stroke at the first signs of symptoms. The treatment approach for strokes typically depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient receives medical attention. Strokes are medical emergencies, and immediate treatment is critical to minimize brain damage and improve the chances of recovery. The two primary types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic, require different treatment approaches.

One of the most critical components of ischemic stroke treatment is the prompt administration of tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, within three hours of symptoms. This clot-dissolving medication can reduce the risk of serious, life-altering side effects if it is given quickly.

If you or a loved one suffered a stroke in a nursing home, they may be liable for the harm you have experienced. The Long Beach attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere are here to listen to your story and determine the strength of your case.

When is a nursing home liable for my Long Beach delayed treatment of stroke?

A nursing home may be held liable for delayed treatment of a stroke if it can be demonstrated that the delay was caused by the nursing home's negligence. This means that the nursing home failed to act per the standard of care for stroke treatment.

The standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare provider would offer in the same or similar circumstances. To establish nursing home negligence, it must be shown that the actions of the nursing home fell below the standard of care, and this resulted in the patient's injuries.

Several factors can be considered in determining whether a nursing home was negligent in delaying stroke treatment. These factors include:

  • The severity of the stroke. The more severe the stroke, the greater the likelihood that a delay in treatment will cause harm.
  • The length of the delay. The longer the delay in treatment, the higher the risk that the patient will suffer harm.
  • The availability of treatment resources. If there was a delay in treatment due to the nursing home lacking appropriate resources, this may be deemed negligence.
  • The patient's condition. If the patient's condition was deteriorating, it becomes more probable that a delay in treatment will cause harm.

To prevent delayed treatment of strokes, nursing homes can take the following steps:

  • Train staff on stroke signs and symptoms. Staff should be educated to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke promptly and report them to the doctor immediately.
  • Develop a stroke treatment plan. The nursing home should have a comprehensive plan in place for stroke treatment to enable rapid initiation of care.
  • Monitor patients for stroke signs. Staff should diligently monitor patients for any signs of a stroke so that treatment can be initiated swiftly.

By implementing these measures, nursing homes can help prevent delayed stroke treatment and safeguard the health and safety of their residents.

 Do you have a delayed treatment of strokes attorney near me?

Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 180 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1100, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Tenacious California delayed treatment of strokes attorneys on your side

If you or a loved one are residing in a nursing home and suspect or have experienced delayed treatment of a stroke, it's crucial to take action to protect your rights and well-being. The consequences of delayed stroke treatment can be severe, leading to permanent disabilities and diminished quality of life.

If you believe that a nursing home's negligence contributed to the delayed treatment of a stroke, you have the right to seek justice and hold them accountable. Contact our experienced attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere to discuss your case. We have a proven track record of advocating for nursing home residents and their families, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call our Long Beach offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation.

We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. Our lawyers serve families throughout the U.S. from additional offices in Louisville, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.

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