GET THE JUSTICE YOU DESERVE:
GET THE JUSTICE YOU DESERVE:
Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie
TALK TO ALVIN TODAY FOR FREE
(215) 696-3900
Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie
TALK TO ALVIN TODAY FOR FREE
(215) 696-3900
PULMONARY EMBOLISM

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute defines a pulmonary embolism (PE) as a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The blockage is actually a blood clot or blood clots that have traveled to the lungs from another part of the body. These traveling blood clots commonly form in the deep veins of the legs, and are called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A pulmonary embolism can be disabling or fatal. Medical professionals may also use the term venous thromboembolism (VTE) to refer to both a patient's DVT and resulting PE.


PE and DVT are Preventable and Treatable - Doctors, Hospitals, Medical Centers and their respective insurance companies are responsible for properly assessing patient risk; and prevent, diagnose, and treat DVT and PE in the at-risk patient are available to the medical community. Health care providers and medical professionals are not always aware of the practices, nor are these practices applied to patient care in a consistent and routine manner which result in these dangerous and potentially fatal accidents.

PE/DVT is considered the leading preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients in the United States. The Surgeon General's estimate that approximately 350,000 to 600,000 patients suffer DVT and PE each year in the United States, with a minimum of 100,000 related DVT and PE deaths annually.


Medical Malpractice - Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism -
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standards of care in the medical community, causing injury or death to a patient. Pulmonary embolism resulting in patient injury or death may be the result of medical malpractice if the physician has deviated from the standards of care by failing to assess a patient's risk for a DVT/PE event, provide preventive or prophylactic DVT/PE measures, or diagnose and treat DVT/PE. In addition, the physician must advise the patient of the benefits and risks of certain procedures, e.g., surgery, central venous catheterization, etc., and obtain the patient's Informed Consent to proceed.


Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors- Following is a list of medical conditions that may put you or a loved one at risk for developing DVT/PE.
  • Current or previous diagnosis of DVT blood clots
  • Previous pulmonary embolism
  • Hospitalization
  • Recent surgery
  • Recent period of immobilization, e.g., bed rest
  • Prolonged airplane or car travel
  • Recent broken bone
  • Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Pregnancy, or recent birth
  • Increased age
  • Hormonal birth control or hormonal therapy in women
  • Previous stroke or heart attack
  • Trauma or injury
  • Recent spinal cord injury
  • Family history of blood clots
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Inherited/Genetic blood clotting condition clotting,
  • Persons with a central venous catheter
  • Varicose veins
  • Current or recent infection
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis


Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms, Some pulmonary embolism victims may experience PE symptoms while others may experience no symptoms at all. In addition, some PE victims experience DVT symptoms only. Because a PE is a medical emergency, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any PE symptoms.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include:
  • Chest pain
  • Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Cough or cough with blood
  • Wheezing
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Bluish tint to skin
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Increased or rapid breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fever

Blood Clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms - Since a pulmonary embolism is a complication of a deep vein thrombosis or blood clot, it is important that patients and their families recognize the symptoms of a DVT. DVT is a medical emergency, and it is critical to seek medical attention if you experience any DVT symptoms.

DVT symptoms may include:
  • Swelling of the leg or along the vein of the leg
  • Leg pain and tenderness. Skin in the affected area may appear red or discolored and be warm to the touch.

If you or a loved one suffered Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Please contact the Law Offices of Alvin de Levie for a free consultation regarding your claim.

The Law Offices of Alvin de Levie specialize in Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis Lawsuits, Medical Malpractice and Hospital Errors. With law offices in Philadelphia and State College, we can make sure that you are compensated for your loss. Call today for a free consultation at 215-696-3900.
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