Kidney failure is an all-too-common issue for residents in Miami and throughout Florida. According to some estimates, as many as 400,000 Americans are suffering from end-stage renal disease where their kidneys fail to function properly.
This ailment is treatable. However, in some cases, doctors and nurses make mistakes during treatment, resulting in serious preventable injury or even death. If you or a loved one is ever harmed by this type of medical malpractice, it is critical to contact an experienced lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Understanding Kidney Failure
Kidneys are involved in various bodily processes, including draining waste from the body, regulating blood pressure, and assisting with red blood cell production. When these organs fail to work as intended, a patient can experience various symptoms. Common signs of kidney failure include:
- Shortness of breath
- Physical weakness
- Confusion
- Lethargy
Fortunately, renal failure can be accounted for with appropriate treatment. Even in the worst situations–where the kidney fails to function entirely–patients may have a transplant or undergo dialysis. The dialysis process is essentially an artificial way to have kidney functions performed, including the removal of body waste and control of blood pressure. There are different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
When Treatment Goes Wrong
Dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease, as patients will need to have the treatments regularly for the rest of their lives. When performed properly, medical experts believe that dialysis patients can expect to live long and full lives.
However, if something ever goes wrong with the treatments, serious injury can result. Every year patients are hurt and sometimes killed as a result of mistakes made during dialysis treatment. This is not a minor problem. In fact, even the federal General Accounting Office issued a report suggesting that standards at many dialysis facilities are less than adequate.
There are many types of dialysis errors, some of the most common signs and causes of mistakes include:
- Patient falls – dialysis may cause a drop in blood pressure and physical weakness. Caregivers must ensure patients do not hurt themselves while in that condition
- Unclear dialysis machines
- Failure to monitor blood pressure
- Development of bloodstream infections
- Equipment malfunctions – including dialyzer errors and leaks
- Failure to timely respond to machine alarms and warnings
Not all dialysis centers are alike. Practices and procedures may vary from facility to facility. Some locations attempt to cut corners in their treatments, often increasing the risk of mistake and placing patients in jeopardy. This is never acceptable. The law requires that all dialysis patients receive a certain level of care. When that care is not provided and mistakes are made, then those affected can receive compensation for the harm.
Contact a Malpractice Lawyer
If you or a loved one may have been hurt by mistakes during dialysis treatment, please reach out to our team today. The malpractice lawyers at Pita Weber Del Prado have extensive experience in these areas. Timing is important, so do not delay in reaching out. Contact us online or give us a call at 305-670-2889.
