Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can happen for a number of reasons, from car accidents and falls to medical procedures or medications. No matter how you develop it, the result can be serious and leave you with long-term complications that are stressful and expensive to face.
If you have developed deep vein thrombosis because of another party’s misconduct in Florida, it helps to understand your legal options. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in one or more of the body’s deep veins. Typically, these clots form in the legs. They can partially or completely block blood flow in the vein.
Some of the most common symptoms of DVT include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Larger than normal veins on the skin’s surface
- Swelling of the leg
- A leg that feels very warm
- Discolored or red skin
Although DVT is painful enough on its own, it can put you at further risk of another severe health issue: the development of pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot in the leg breaks free and travels to the lungs.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis can develop for several reasons, often involving injury, reduced movement, or underlying health conditions. In many personal injury cases, DVT forms after trauma or extended periods of immobility.
Common causes of DVT include:
- Injuries from car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events
- Surgery, especially procedures involving the legs or abdomen
- Long periods of limited movement, such as bed rest or hospitalization
- Damage to a vein that slows or disrupts normal blood flow
- Certain medications or medical conditions that increase clotting risk
In some cases, DVT may develop because proper precautions were not taken during medical treatment or recovery. When this happens, it may be possible to explore a claim depending on the specific circumstances.
Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis
Treating DVT requires breaking down the blood clots or preventing them from getting larger. This can be done with anticoagulants, which are blood thinners that prevent clots from moving, or with thrombolytics, which break down clots.
Some people can benefit from compression socks or compression devices to reduce swelling. In the most severe cases, you may need to get surgery to remove the clot.
It may also be necessary to insert an inferior vena cava filter. This medical device goes into your body’s largest vein, the vena cava, to prevent large blood clots from reaching your lungs.
Taking Legal Action After Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Florida
If you sustained an injury that led to the development of DVT, and another party’s conduct was responsible, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. To recover, you must demonstrate that the other party owed you a duty of care that they failed to uphold, which led directly to your injury.
Through a claim, you can recover economic and non-economic damages to address your losses. Economic damages cover the financial losses the condition caused, including lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses, including pain and suffering and loss of consortium.
How Long Do I Have to File a Deep Vein Thrombosis Claim in Florida?
In most Florida personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, the deadline can depend on the type of case, especially if medical malpractice is involved.
It is important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, medical records may become harder to gather, and witnesses may forget key details. A lawyer can review your situation and explain which deadline applies to your DVT claim.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your DVT Case
To maximize your claim, it’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you. They can gather the most pertinent evidence to demonstrate that you deserve compensation while also establishing who was liable for your losses. There may be more than one party at fault, especially when dealing with medical malpractice, which can further complicate your claim.
Importantly, your attorney will understand how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies. These companies might try to pin the blame on you so that you don’t receive the damages you need. If there are ongoing disputes and reaching a settlement looks impossible, your lawyer can also fight your case in court on your behalf.
Contact the Stuart Personal Injury Attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Help Today
If you have developed deep vein thrombosis because of another party’s behavior in Florida, you need a dedicated team that can guide you through every aspect of the case. At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $500 million for our clients and aren’t afraid to take on tough cases.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team, or call us today at (772) 444-7000, to explore your legal options with an experienced Stuart personal injury lawyer today.