A blood clot is a mass of blood cells that have clumped together and lodged in a blood vessel. Blood clots, which most frequently occur in the legs, often form as a result of prolonged periods of inactivity. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a common condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins in the legs.
Blood clots can be extremely dangerous if they break loose. If a blood clot dislodges and travels to the heart, lungs, or other vital organs, it could cause sudden death. A blood clot that reaches the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Blood clots that reach the heart are a common cause of heart attacks.
Causes of Blood Clots
There are several risk factors that may cause a blood clot. These causes of blood clots include;
- Drugs / Medications (e.g birth control pills and use of estrogen replacement / HRT Therapy, etc.)
- Medical Devices (e.g Knee or Hip Replacements etc.)
- Medical Malpractice (e.g. Failure to diagnose)
- Personal Injury
- Prolonged bed rest, sitting or immobility
- Obesity
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Cancer
Blood Clot Symptoms
Some common symptoms of blood clots include;
- Aching
- Swelling
- Skin may have “pins and needles” feeling
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
Blood Clot Lawsuits
In some cases you may be able to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a blood clot. For example, if a doctor fails to respond appropriately to a patient’s symptoms or properly treat a blood clot before it dislodges and causes harm, he or she may be guilty of medical negligence. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies can be held liable for drugs that cause serious side effects, injuries and even death.
If you intend on filing a lawsuit, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Each state has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, restricting how long you have to file a claim. The time limit varies from state to state. If you wait too long you will not be able to take legal action.
