If your loved one’s coma was caused by medical negligence, or your loved one did not receive appropriate care after lapsing into a coma, you need to speak to a diligent Syracuse medical malpractice attorney without delay. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how to navigate complex medical malpractice claims. We can help you understand all of your legal options, including the pros and cons associated with each of them.
A coma is a condition in which a patient cannot be awakened and does not respond to pain, light, or sound in a normal way. In other words, a coma is defined as a deep and, many times, prolonged unconsciousness. A person in a coma does not respond to external stimuli (i.e., a light in his or her eyes or a prick on the hand) and does not make any voluntary actions. In some instances, coma patients may make sounds or movements or even speak. However, these actions are typically not voluntary. Comas typically do not last longer than several weeks. If a coma lasts longer, it may lead to a persistent vegetative state or brain death.
A variety of medical errors could result in a coma, including but not limited to:
- Failure to treat or diagnose a medical condition (i.e., untreated high blood pressure can lead to a stroke, which in turn can lead to a coma when the brain does not get enough oxygen-rich blood to function);
- Surgery or anesthesia errors (i.e., errors made during surgery could lead to the brain not getting enough blood or oxygen, and a coma may result);
- Medication errors (i.e., overdosing on certain medications can lead to a coma).
If a doctor was to blame for a person failing into a comatose state, that physician may be held responsible for their mistakes through a medical malpractice claim. It is important to note that not all adverse outcomes are results of medical malpractice. Instead, malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to use the level of care that a reasonably prudent medical professional would have used in the same or similar circumstances, thereby injuring the patient. Put simply, the doctor must have been negligent in connection with your diagnosis or treatment.
If a coma lasts for a lengthy period of time, the comatose patient and their family may have considerable expenses for treatment and support. In fact, the patient may require around the clock medical care. These expenses may be emotionally challenging and extremely financially burdensome to the family. Typical damages a family may be able to seek in such a situation include hospital stays, lost wages, life support costs, pain and suffering, and additional treatment costs.
Like all significant injuries and illnesses, those resulting in a coma are very difficult for family members close to the victim. If you believe that your loved one’s coma was a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our skilled Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to resolving medical negligence cases in an effective and efficient manner. For a free consultation, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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