You may have never heard of compartment syndrome before, but if you are a fan of medical dramas on TV, you have probably seen it before. The shows love to show the treatment for compartment syndrome – cutting into the affected area to let the blood drain and relieve built up pressure.

Compartment syndrome is a serious medical emergency. If it is not diagnosed or treated properly, a person can suffer from muscle and nerve damage. They could even lose muscle and nerve tissue completely.

While most cases of compartment syndrome happen because of an accident, there are times when medical professionals themselves cause the condition in their patients. If that happens, you may need a Philadelphia compartment syndrome attorney. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, we are standing by to take your case.

What Is It?

Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. It can decrease blood flow, depriving the injured area of the body’s nourishment and oxygen to the muscle cells.

Compartment syndrome usually occurs in the arms or legs, commonly after bone breaks. The muscles around the break begin to accumulate pressure that needs to be relieved. The only way to do this quickly is to perform a medical procedure called a fasciotomy, which means cutting into the muscle to relieve pressure.

So, how can this be caused by doctors?

  1. Compartment syndrome can also occur after blood flow is restored to an area after the loss of circulation. This can happen after surgery, and doctors and nurses need to monitor patients carefully.
  2. Patients on blood thinners are at higher risk of compartment syndrome. If a doctor does not perform a thorough medical history, they may cause a problem to become worse.
  3. Any time a cast or bandage is applied too tightly by a healthcare professional, there is a risk of compartment syndrome developing.
  4. Doctors should always be on the lookout for compartment syndrome, especially in cases of broken bones in the extremities. If they fail to notice or diagnose the condition quickly, it may be too late to reverse damage by the time they do realize what is happening.

Doctors and nurses should always understand the situation in front of them to the best of their ability. If their carelessness or negligence leads to them failing to diagnose or treat compartment syndrome, they should be held liable for any damage that results.

What You Can Do Now

Do not waste time wondering if your insurance is going to cover your expenses. If you have suffered because of the negligence of a healthcare professional, then you need to seek legal assistance. We know how hard it can be to pay off the medical bills that are piling up. We want to help you recover compensation for those bills as well as for lost income if your injury keeps you from working. When you need a medical malpractice attorney in Philadelphia, turn to The Weitz Firm, LLC. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.

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