A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot (usually originating in the legs) travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. This obstruction can restrict blood flow, strain the heart, and become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
These claims typically include two primary categories of damages. Economic damages address financial losses, and non-economic damages compensate for personal and emotional harm. In Philly wrongful death cases, additional wrongful death damages may also be available.
Doctors must recognize the warning signs of a pulmonary embolism to protect patients from permanent injury or death. Missing or delaying a diagnosis related to a pulmonary embolism may constitute malpractice and entitled injured patients and their families to multiple forms of compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate victims for measurable financial losses caused by a medical error. When a pulmonary embolism is misdiagnosed, patients often require emergency treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing medical care. These costs stemming from these treatments are considered economic losses.
An economic damages award may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical care
- Surgeries or specialized procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced future earning capacity
Economic damages may also account for future medical costs and financial losses related to any permanent harm caused by the condition.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism. These damages compensate patients for the physical and emotional harm caused by the medical error.
Non-economic damages may include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or physical limitations
- Long-term health complications
These damages do not have a precise dollar value, but they can represent a significant portion of the overall recovery.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a pulmonary embolism misdiagnosis in Philadelphia results in a patient’s wrongful death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Pennsylvania law.
Wrongful death damages may include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final illness
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members
Pennsylvania law may also allow the deceased person’s estate to pursue a survival action, which seeks damages for the pain and suffering the patient experienced prior to death.
Pennsylvania Does Not Have Caps on Medical Malpractice Damages
Pennsylvania does not place a cap on the amount of damages that can be recovered in most Philadelphia medical malpractice cases. This means that patients can recover money for all losses and harm suffered due to a missed pulmonary embolism diagnosis.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help Seeking Damages
Pulmonary embolism misdiagnosis cases are a type of medical malpractice case. These cases require proving that a healthcare provider failed to meet the appropriate standard of care in the patient’s situation and ultimately caused their injury/illness.
An experienced Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer can help you prove your claim and recover all the damages you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a delayed or missed pulmonary embolism diagnosis, contact Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. to discuss your legal options and learn how you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses.