Maryland Epidural Hematoma Lawyers

Head injures are not always serious. the skull is a strong protective shell that insulates the brain from harm. However, when you suffer head trauma, blood vessels could rupture, causing your head to swell. This pressure on the brain often leads to catastrophic complications. If your doctor failed to diagnose your condition, you could have a medical malpractice claim.

The attorneys at the Rice, Murtha & Psoras are committed to holding medical professionals responsible for any harm they cause through their negligence or carelessness. If you suffered harm because of your doctor’s conduct, contact our Maryland epidural hematoma lawyers. Call (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

What is an Epidural Hematoma?

An epidural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the skull and the dura, or the outermost membrane that covers the brain. Often the result of a ruptured blood vessel, this medical condition is usually caused by a head injury, typically including a fracture of the victim’s skull. While it is relatively rare for people who experience head trauma to develop an epidural hematoma, those who do have nearly a 20% fatality rate. When a person suffers a traumatic brain injury in Maryland, the likelihood of developing an epidural hematoma increases.

Common Medical Malpractice that Can Cause an Epidural Hematoma in Maryland

Any type of accident or incident that could result in a head injury could cause an epidural hematoma. the victim’s risk of developing an epidural hematoma is directly related to the severity of the injury sustained. Therefore, accidents that potentially cause traumatic brain injuries increase the victim’s risk. For example, any type of vehicle accident could result in a serious head injury. However, when the victim in an accident is riding a motorcycle, the risk of a significant head injury is exponentially higher, especially if they are not wearing a helmet.

Head injuries are not limited to car accidents. A slip and fall accident often results in a severe blow to the victim’s head. Physical assaults or a blow to the head could cause an epidural hematoma to occur.

Head injuries and blood clots are not limited to physical incidents. A surgical mistake could rupture a blood vessel, causing an epidural hematoma to develop. Additionally, a ruptured blood vessel could be a medical side effect to the improper dosage of an anti-coagulant or from taking the wrong medication.

What Are the Symptoms of an Epidural Hematoma that a Maryland Doctor Should Monitor?

While the victim of a head injury will demonstrate various symptoms, doctors must monitor signs that would indicate an epidural hematoma is developing. While some of the symptoms might not appear alarming, such as a headache, irritability, nausea, and lethargy, others are more substantial in their effects. For instance, an epidural hematoma could cause a victim to lose consciousness, experience problems with communication or speech, suffer from confusion, develop weakness in their limbs, or the victim could slip into a coma.

Symptoms of an epidural hematoma could appear immediately following the initial injury or slowly develop over several days or weeks. You need to report any symptoms to your doctor and give them a complete history of any condition that could relate to your accident.

A treating physician must not ignore clusters of symptoms after a head injury. If a doctor fails to monitor a patient’s condition properly or does not order the necessary tests to rule out an epidural hematoma, they could be held liable for any harm or damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Suing for Failure to Diagnose an Epidural Hematoma in a Maryland Patient

When an epidural hematoma causes a brain bleed, the internal cranial pressure increases. This increase in pressure compresses the brain, resulting in damage to the brain tissue. Without proper and immediate treatment, the brain will sustain catastrophic damage, resulting in severe consequences and possibly death.

When a Maryland patient demonstrates any symptoms or is at risk for developing an epidural hematoma, it is crucial to complete a timely and thorough examination of their condition. A doctor should apply diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT scans, or X-rays, to ensure the blood vessels are not rupturing. In some cases, saving the patient’s life requires immediate surgical intervention to stop the bleeding and relieve the pressure on the victim’s brain. When these steps are not taken, the epidural hematoma could result in life-altering consequences for the injured person. If the doctor’s actions or decisions were negligent, it could constitute medical malpractice.

If a doctor fails to diagnose an epidural hematoma in Maryland or does not promptly treat it, the victim faces significant medical consequences. the pressure and damage of the brain could result in high intracranial blood pressure, which increases the risk of vision problems, high blood pressure, and serious headaches and nausea. Additionally, the person is liable to suffer seizures or possible paralysis of the lower body. In severe cases, failing to treat an epidural hematoma could result in permanent brain damage, a coma, or death. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable for their mistakes.

Call Our Maryland Epidural Hematoma Lawyers for a Free Appointment

The Maryland medical malpractice attorneys and staff at Rice, Murtha & Psoras have the experience and resources to handle the most complex medical malpractice lawsuits. Injuries involving the head and brain are often serious and lead to years of medical complications and necessary therapy. Often, if hemorrhaging of the brain goes untreated, the victim will experience life-altering consequences or even death. If your head injury was misdiagnosed or untreated, contact our Maryland epidural hematoma lawyers today. To schedule a free consultation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.