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Long Beach Delayed Treatment of Strokes Attorneys: Private Caregivers
Holding the right parties accountable when they fail to treat signs of stroke in California
The consequences of delayed stroke treatment can be devastating for patients, especially when it occurs under the care of private caregivers. Although many private caregivers are dedicated and skilled, instances of delayed recognition or response to stroke symptoms can result in severe and irreversible damage. Families place their trust in these caregivers, expecting timely and appropriate medical attention in critical situations. When this care falls short, seeking justice for the harm caused becomes paramount.
If you or your loved one has experienced delayed stroke treatment under the care of a private caregiver, it is crucial to explore your legal options and protect your rights. At Garcia & Artigliere, our California attorneys boast a combined experience of 150 years and have helped to secure $3 billion in recoveries for people nationwide. You can trust us with your case. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you and your family. Your well-being matters, and we are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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What constitutes a stroke?
Strokes represent a significant public health concern in the United States, as emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They strike with alarming frequency, occurring every 40 seconds, and tragically, a life is lost to a stroke every three minutes and 14 seconds. Annually, more than 795,000 individuals experience a stroke, and out of these cases, approximately 610,000 are first or new strokes. These statistics underscore the urgent nature of the issue, as strokes are medical emergencies caused by either the blockage of blood flow to a part of the brain or the bursting of a blood vessel, leading to brain damage or, in severe instances, death.
Strokes present in three distinct types, each with its unique characteristics and implications for health:
- Ischemic stroke. This is the most prevalent type of stroke, occurring when blood clots or other particles obstruct the blood vessels leading to the brain. The blockage disrupts the crucial supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, resulting in damage to brain cells.
- Hemorrhagic stroke. In this variant, an artery in the brain ruptures or leaks blood, exerting excessive pressure on brain cells, leading to damage. Hemorrhagic strokes can be particularly severe and life-threatening.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Often referred to as a "mini-stroke," TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms. Although brief, TIA serves as a critical warning sign of potential future strokes.
The importance of promptly treating strokes cannot be emphasized enough. As per the CDC, patients who seek medical attention within three hours of experiencing their first stroke symptoms tend to have less disability three months after the stroke compared to those who experience delayed care. Recognizing stroke symptoms promptly and accessing comprehensive medical care immediately are crucial in improving outcomes for individuals affected by this serious medical condition. When a caretaker is knowledgeable about stroke warning signs and takes swift action, it can significantly increase the chances of recovery and minimize the impact of stroke-related disabilities.
What does a stroke look like?
The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the specific area of the brain affected. However, there are some common signs to be aware of:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, leading to problems expressing oneself or comprehending others.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes, resulting in blurred vision, double vision, or partial/complete loss of vision in one eye.
- Sudden dizziness, imbalance, or difficulty walking, making it challenging to maintain stability or walk without assistance.
- Experiencing a sudden, severe headache, which may indicate a potentially serious stroke event.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial. Prompt action can help mitigate the damage caused by the stroke and increase the likelihood of a successful recovery. Recognizing these signs can be lifesaving and contribute to better outcomes for those affected by a stroke.
Who is most at risk for a stroke?
According to the CDC, strokes can affect anyone regardless of age. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of having a stroke. To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, understanding and managing these risk factors is crucial.
Caregivers should be aware of the following typical risk factors for strokes:
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
- Family history of strokes
- Advancing age (the older one is, the higher the stroke risk)
- Gender (strokes are more common in women than men)
- Race or ethnicity ("People who are non-Hispanic Black or Pacific Islander may be more likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics, American Indian or Alaska Natives, and Asians are.")
By understanding and addressing these risk factors, caregivers can take proactive steps to reduce the chances of stroke and promote better health outcomes for their loved ones.
What are the complications of untreated strokes?
Delays in treating strokes can result in severe and life-threatening consequences due to the lack of timely medical intervention. The complications arising from untreated strokes vary based on the stroke type, its location in the brain, and the duration of delayed treatment. Some common complications include:
- Disability. Strokes can lead to varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities, impacting daily activities.
- Impairment. Strokes may cause problems with movement, coordination, and sensory perception, affecting motor function.
- Communication problems. Damage to the brain can result in speech and language difficulties, affecting effective communication.
- Emotional and behavioral changes. Strokes can cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, and personality alterations.
- Swallowing difficulties. Some stroke survivors may experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), increasing the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia.
- Seizures. Strokes can elevate the risk of seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
- Chronic pain. Stroke survivors may experience chronic pain, often linked to physical impairments or muscle weakness.
- Bedsores. Reduced mobility after a stroke can lead to pressure ulcers (bedsores) in immobile patients.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Immobility after a stroke can increase the risk of DVT, where blood clots form in deep veins, and pulmonary embolism, where a clot travels to the lungs.
- Secondary strokes. Stroke survivors face a higher risk of experiencing subsequent strokes, further worsening complications.
Seeking immediate medical attention at the first sign of a stroke is crucial to minimize complications and enhance recovery chances. Early treatment can limit brain damage and prevent or mitigate many potential complications. If you or a loved one has suffered stroke complications due to caregiver negligence, the Long Beach attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere are ready to provide the support you need to seek justice and compensation.
When can a private caregiver be liable for stroke negligence in California?
Private care givers should be trained to spot the signs of stroke. While they may not be able to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the clot-dissolving medication, they should know that immediately medical care is necessary to litigate the risks of serious, long-term effects. A private caregiver may be liable for your loved one’s stroke if they:
- Failed to call 9-1-1
- Ignored signs of a stroke
- Ignored your loved one’s concerns
- Lied about how long ago the symptoms started before they sought medical treatment
- Failed to give EMS or hospital staff the correct information about your loved one
- Abandoned your loved one at a medical facility without speaking to a doctor or nurse
Caregivers and healthcare professionals must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting promptly. Proper training and protocols can make a significant difference in providing timely and appropriate care to stroke patients.
Do you have a delayed treatment of strokes attorney near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has offices at One World Trade Center, Suite 1950, Long Beach, CA 90831. We’re right off West Ocean Boulevard near the Superior Court of California.
Contact California delayed treatment of strokes attorneys today
At Garcia & Artigliere, we understand the serious impact of delayed stroke treatment and are committed to seeking justice and accountability for those affected. If you or your loved one has suffered harm due to stroke negligence, our experienced attorneys can help you pursue 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 our other offices in Louisville, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
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