How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Brain Injuries

Thursday, December 9, 2021

How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Brain Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

When you think about brain injuries, you might first think of hitting your head in a fall or car accident. However, brain injuries can also result from various types of medical malpractice. This is negligence by a medical professional that causes harm to a patient. If you think you sustained injuries due to medical malpractice, reach out to our skilled Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Malman Law right away. 

Situations that Can Cause Brain Damage

There are different types of brain injuries – traumatic brain injuries that result from trauma, as well as damage to brain tissue from oxygen deprivation or other medical events or incidents. The following are only some ways that medical professionals can cause brain injuries:

1. Not diagnosing a heart attack or stroke in a timely manner
2. Not properly diagnosing an aneurysm, brain hemorrhaging, or pulmonary embolism
3. Hemorrhaging during surgery leads to oxygen deprivation of the brain
4. Improper intubation during surgical procedures
5. Failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs or improper monitoring under anesthesia
6. Medication errors, including overdose or administering the wrong medication
7. Improper use of forceps or vacuums during childbirth
8. Negligent supervision or assistance to hospital patients who fall and hit their heads

Doctors are supposed to diagnose and treat brain injuries – not cause them. If you suffered a brain injury from any type of medical malpractice, speak with our legal team immediately.

Effects of Brain Injuries from Medical Malpractice

Anytime you suffer damage to your brain tissue, you can experience a wide range of effects and symptoms. Some of them might clear up after a few weeks or months, while other effects might be permanent and disabling. The signs and symptoms you experience will depend on what part of the brain sustained damage, as well as the severity of the damage.

Different effects might include:

1. Cognitive impairments – Difficulty with processing information, thinking, communicating your thoughts, reading comprehension and speed, and more.
2. Sensory impairments – These include difficulty with sight, hearing, sensation, and other sensory abilities.
3. Physical impairments – Brain injuries can lead to slurred speech, lack of balance or coordination, and altered gait, among others.
4. Behavioral impairments – Some brain injury victims have problems with mood control, showing appropriate emotions for certain situations, anxiety and depression, anger issues, and more.

All of the above can impact your life in many ways. You will likely have ongoing treatment and rehabilitative therapy to adjust to or overcome your symptoms. You might not be able to return to work, as your impairments might prevent you from performing your previous job duties. Brain injuries can also be very distressing injuries, which can cause both physical and mental pain and suffering for victims.

Speak with Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

If a medical professional was responsible for causing your brain injury due to medical negligence, you want a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer from Malman Law on your side. Contact us for a free case evaluation so we can assess your rights and discuss the next steps in your situation.