Failure to Diagnose Life-Threatening Blood Clots in Maine

When a healthcare provider fails to recognize a life-threatening blood clot, the consequences can be catastrophic or even fatal. At Berman & Simmons, our team has seen the heartbreaking consequences of diagnosis failures for individuals and their families.  

Clients come to us after a loved one has suffered death or permanent injuries due to a blood clot, such as a stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis that led to limb loss. These catastrophic events could have been prevented with proper medical attention that diagnosed and treated the underlying blood clot in time before it progressed to a life-threatening condition. 

Our team is here to do what is necessary when the healthcare system fails: protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Berman & Simmons is known across Maine for handling the most serious and complex medical malpractice cases, resulting in record-breaking settlements and verdicts. We have built our reputation on results, recovering over $1.5 billion for clients across our practice areas. We combine professional prowess with compassion for our clients, never losing sight of what matters most: your health, your family, your story, and your future. 

Schedule a free consultation with a Maine attorney for failure to diagnose a life-threatening blood clot at Berman & Simmons. Call (207) 417-4199 or contact us online. We offer virtual appointments for your convenience.

The Danger of a Missed Diagnosis

Blood clots can develop anywhere in the body and quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. 

When undiagnosed, a blood clot can lead to devastating medical emergencies, such as:

• Pulmonary embolism (PE) – when a clot travels to the lungs
• Coronary thrombosis  – when a clot blocks blood flow in the heart, causing a heart attack or cardiac arrest
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)  – a clot, often in the leg, that can prevent blood flow to the limbs
• Stroke  – when a clot blocks blood flow from getting to the brain
• Organ damage  – when a blood clot prevents blood from reaching critical organs inside the body

All of these conditions require rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment. Unfortunately, that does not always happen.

What Symptoms May Have Been Overlooked? 

 One of the most tragic aspects of these cases is that symptoms are often apparent, but not taken seriously. 

Common warning signs you or your loved one may have had: 

• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (PE)
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea/vomiting (coronary thrombosis)
• Unexplained limb pain, swelling, or warmth (DVT)
• Numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking (stroke)
• Abdominal/flank pain, weakness (organ damage)

These symptoms may be mistaken for something minor, especially in busy ERs or primary care settings. Sometimes, providers fail to order the proper tests, misread imaging, or ignore a patient’s full history. In any of these cases, that oversight can have severe consequences.

What Should Have Been Done?

Medical professionals are trained to recognize risk factors and red flags for blood clots. 

When patients present with suspicious symptoms, standard care requires:

• Taking a detailed medical and family history that includes asking about conditions that increase blood clotting
• Performing a physical exam and checking vital signs
• Ordering appropriate imaging tests, like ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan
• Sending bloodwork to the lab for testing D-dimer, coagulation factors, and troponin 
• Promptly administering anticoagulants when a clot is suspected

If your provider missed these critical steps or delayed action, you may have a convincing case for medical negligence.

How Berman & Simmons Can Help

These cases are medically complex, and the legal system is tough to navigate alone. At Berman & Simmons, we can help by using the full power of our trial experience, medical resources, and investigative tools to uncover what happened and why. 

Our attorneys work closely with top medical experts to analyze every detail of your care and expose any breakdowns in the standard of treatment.

• We handle everything, from medical record reviews to courtroom advocacy.
• We invest in your case, covering all upfront costs; we only get paid if we win.
• We understand your trauma and support you with compassion and transparency.
• We never back down, even against powerful hospitals, insurers, or medical institutions.

When you retain us, an entire team stands behind you, building the strongest case possible while giving you the support, honesty, and peace of mind you need.

Potential Damages in Life-Threatening Blood Clot Diagnosis Failures

Claimants in this type of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for various losses. The exact amount and types of damages will depend on the severity of the injury, the long-term impact on the person’s life, and whether the case involves wrongful death.