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What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of this artery in the abdomen becomes weak and begins to expand like a balloon. Because the aorta is under high pressure, a rupture causes massive internal bleeding.
Medical standards of care require physicians to identify patients at high risk and order appropriate diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. When a doctor fails to recognize these risks, they deprive the patient of a life-saving intervention.
Risk Factors and Screening Guidelines
Medical providers in New York are expected to be aware of the established risk factors for AAA. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), screening is critical for:
- Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked
- Individuals with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) or high cholesterol
- Those with existing vascular disease or atherosclerosis
If you fall into these categories, your primary care physician has a duty to discuss screening with you. Failure to follow these established protocols may constitute medical malpractice.
When Is a Failed AAA Diagnosis Considered Negligence
Not every medical complication is malpractice, but many AAA ruptures are the direct result of provider error. We investigate cases involving:
- Failure to screen: Neglecting to order a screening ultrasound for at-risk patients.
- Misinterpretation of imaging: A radiologist failing to note or measure an aneurysm on a scan.
- Failure to track: Monitoring an existing small aneurysm but failing to recommend surgery once it reaches a critical size (typically 5.0 to 5.5 cm).
- ER misdiagnosis: Mistaking the symptoms of a leaking or rupturing aneurysm (back pain, abdominal pain, low blood pressure) for less serious conditions like kidney stones or muscle strain.
- Surgical errors: Negligence during an endovascular repair or open surgery to fix the aneurysm.
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Did a Doctor Miss the Signs of an Aneurysm?
A preventable rupture can change a family forever. If you suspect medical negligence, our New York City attorneys can help you uncover the truth. Contact us for a free consultation.
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Devastating Consequences of AAA Rupture
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency with an alarmingly high mortality rate. Whether a patient survives the initial event or not, the impact is life-altering. The consequences of a failed or delayed diagnosis often include:
- Wrongful death: Due to the rapid nature of internal bleeding, many undiagnosed ruptures result in fatal outcomes that could have been prevented with timely screening.
- Hypovolemic shock: Massive internal blood loss that puts the entire body into a state of collapse.
- Multi-organ failure: Severe damage to the kidneys, liver, or lungs caused by the sudden lack of oxygenated blood flow.
- Lower limb ischemia: Lack of blood to the legs, which can lead to permanent tissue death and the need for amputation.
- Neurological damage: Brain or spinal cord injuries resulting from prolonged low blood pressure during the rupture, often leading to catastrophic injury.
Damages You May Recover After AAA
If your family has been affected by a failed AAA diagnosis, New York law allows you to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency surgeries, ICU stays, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for the time you or your loved one can no longer work.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional trauma caused by the rupture and recovery.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one passed away, you may recover funeral costs and loss of financial support.
Our team frequently works with medical experts and economists to ensure your claim reflects the true success stories of our past clients who secured the resources they needed for the future.
New York Statute of Limitations for Malpractice
In New York, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 30 months (2 years and 6 months) from the date of the alleged negligence.
However, if the case involves a municipal hospital (like those run by NYC Health + Hospitals), a formal Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. Because these deadlines are strict, it is vital to contact an attorney immediately.
Why Choose Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm
- Decades of New York experience: For over 40 years, we have been a fixture in the New York City legal community, specifically focusing on complex medical negligence and personal injury cases.
- Deep medical insight: We don't just know the law; we understand the medicine. We work with leading vascular surgeons and radiologists to prove where the standard of care was breached.
- Compassionate representation: We understand that behind every case is a family dealing with grief or a catastrophic injury. We provide a family-focused approach to every client.
- No win, no fee: We take all AAA malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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