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Louisville Delayed Treatment of Strokes Attorneys: Private Caregivers
We hold the right people responsible when they fail to recognize the signs of stroke in Kentucky
Delayed treatment of strokes can have devastating consequences for patients, particularly when it occurs under the care of private caregivers. While many private caregivers are dedicated and skilled, instances of delayed recognition or response to stroke symptoms can lead to severe and irreversible damage. Families entrust the well-being of their loved ones to these caregivers, expecting timely and appropriate medical attention in critical situations. When such care falls short, it is essential to seek justice for the harm caused.
If you or your loved one has experienced delayed stroke treatment under the care of a private caregiver, don't hesitate to explore your legal options and protect your rights. At Garcia & Artigliere in Kentucky, our attorneys have a combined experience of 150 years and helped to secure $3 billion in recovery for people across the country. That makes us a name you can trust with your case. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you and your family.
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What constitutes a stroke?
Strokes are a concerning public health issue in the United States, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Strokes strike with alarming frequency – every 40 seconds, and tragically, someone loses their life to a stroke every three minutes and 14 seconds. Annually, over 795,000 people experience a stroke, with approximately 610,000 of these being first or new strokes. These numbers underscore the urgency of the issue, as strokes are medical emergencies that occur when blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed or when a blood vessel bursts, resulting in brain damage or, in severe cases, death.
Strokes can manifest in three distinct types, each with its own characteristics and implications for health:
- Ischemic stroke. The most prevalent type of type of stroke, this occurs when blood clots or other particles obstruct the blood vessels leading to the brain. The blockage disrupts the essential oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, leading to damage to brain cells.
- Hemorrhagic stroke. In this type, an artery in the brain ruptures or leaks blood, exerting excessive pressure on brain cells, resulting in 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. While brief, TIA serves as a critical warning sign of potential future strokes.
The urgency of treating strokes promptly cannot be overstated. According to the CDC, patients who seek medical attention within three hours of experiencing their first stroke symptoms tend to experience less disability three months after the stroke compared to those who face delayed care. Prompt recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate access to comprehensive medical care are vital in improving outcomes for those affected by this serious medical condition. Being aware of stroke warning signs and taking quick action can significantly enhance the chances of recovery and reduce 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, including:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, which may impact the face, arm, or leg.
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech, leading to problems expressing oneself or comprehending others.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, causing blurred vision, double vision, or even partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
- Sudden dizziness, imbalance, or difficulty walking, making it challenging to maintain stability or walk without assistance.
- Sudden, severe headache, which can indicate a potentially serious stroke event.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial you receive immediate medical attention. Early treatment can help mitigate the damage caused by the stroke and increase the likelihood of a successful recovery. Recognizing the signs and acting promptly can significantly improve your prognosis and overall outcome. Being aware of these warning signs can be lifesaving and contribute to better outcomes for those affected by a stroke.
Who is most at risk for a stroke?
Per the CDC, “Anyone can have a stroke at any age. But certain things can increase your chances of having a stroke. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from a stroke is to understand your risk and how to control it.”
Typical risk factors for strokes that caregivers must be aware of include:
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
- Family history
- Age (the older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke)
- Sex (stroke is 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.”)
What are the complications of untreated strokes?
Failure to treat strokes promptly can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences due to the lack of timely medical intervention. The complications that arise from untreated strokes can vary depending on the stroke's type, its location in the brain, and the duration of delayed treatment. Some common complications include:
- Disability. Strokes can result in varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities, impacting a person's ability to perform daily activities independently.
- Impairment. Strokes may cause impairments in movement, coordination, and sensory perception, leading to difficulties in motor function.
- Communication problems. Damage to the brain can result in speech and language difficulties, affecting a person's ability to communicate effectively.
- Emotional and behavioral changes. Strokes can cause emotional and behavioral changes, leading to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and altered personality.
- Swallowing difficulties. Some stroke survivors may experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), increasing the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia.
- Seizures. Strokes can increase the risk of seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
- Chronic pain. Stroke survivors may experience chronic pain, often related to physical impairments or muscle weakness.
- Bedsores. Reduced mobility after a stroke can lead to the development of 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 are at higher risk of experiencing subsequent strokes, which can further exacerbate the complications.
Seeking immediate medical attention at the first sign of a stroke is crucial to minimize the risk of complications and improve the chances of recovery. Early treatment can help limit brain damage and prevent or mitigate many of these potential complications. If you or a loved one have suffered stroke complications due to caregiver negligence, the Louisville attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere can provide the expertise and support needed to seek justice and compensation.
What is the proper treatment for an ischemic stroke?
The treatment of a stroke hinges on whether it is classified as an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot obstructing a brain blood vessel, or a hemorrhagic stroke, triggered by a burst blood vessel. Both types of strokes necessitate immediate medical attention, as time is of the essence to minimize brain damage and improve recovery.
For victims of ischemic stroke, there is hope: a clot-busting medication called a tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, can reduce the risk of long-term effects if it is administered within three hours of the symptoms. tPA can be the difference between a better quality of life and severe consequences like paralysis or cognitive difficulties.
If a private caregiver fails to call 9-1-1 in a timely manner, or fails to identify the signs of a stroke, the patient’s treatment may be delayed. This delay can be devastating.
In the event of a stroke, prompt medical attention is critical to achieve the best possible outcome. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate care can significantly impact the patient's recovery and overall prognosis. Early treatment is crucial in preventing further damage to the brain and improving the chances of a successful recovery. If you or a loved one experience stroke symptoms, it is paramount for your caregiver to call emergency services immediately for timely medical intervention that can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Do you have a delayed treatment of strokes attorney near me?
Garcia & Artigliere has offices at 312 S. Fourth Street, Suite 700, Louisville, KY 40202. We’re right down the street from Jefferson County Court.
Call our Kentucky delayed treatment of strokes attorneys today
Acting swiftly in the event of a stroke is paramount to ensuring the best possible outcome for you or your loved one. If you or someone you know experiences stroke symptoms, do not hesitate to call emergency services immediately. Timely medical intervention can make a significant difference in minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of a successful recovery. Additionally, if you believe that a delayed stroke treatment has resulted from private caregiver negligence, seeking legal assistance is essential. The experienced attorneys at Garcia & Artigliere are here to provide support and advocate for your rights. Call our Louisville offices or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation.
We only collect attorney fees if we win your case. Our lawyers also serve families throughout the U.S. from our offices in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New Orleans. Our services are available in both English and Spanish.
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