Bulbar Palsy Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago, IL
Learning that your healthcare provider’s mistake or medical error led to a life-altering medical condition such as bulbar palsy can be devastating.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our compassionate bulbar palsy lawyers understand the emotional and financial tragedy families face after discovering medical malpractice may be the cause of their injuries. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and discuss your situation with a skilled attorney.
What Is Bulbar Palsy?
Palsy is a medical term that describes conditions that affect muscles, often causing weakness or paralysis. Bulbar palsy is a neurological condition that causes weakness or paralysis in the muscles that control speech, chewing, swallowing, and other facial movements. It is caused by damage to cranial nerves in the bulbar region of the brainstem.
There are two types of bulbar palsy: progressive and non-progressive. In non-progressive patients, the condition remains stable. Those with progressive bulbar palsy experience worsening or escalating symptoms and a reduced life expectancy. As there is no cure, most people with progressive bulbar palsy live no more than a few years after diagnosis.
What Causes Bulbar Palsy in Patients?
Bulbar palsy results from damage to the bulbar region of the brainstem, which is located at the base of the brain and connects the brain to the spinal cord. The brainstem controls significant bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate and contains nerves essential for vision, hearing, facial movements, and swallowing.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is the most common cause of progressive bulbar palsy. This neurological disease can lead to the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, and bulbar palsy can result when damage occurs to specific neurons in the brainstem. Individuals with ALS will eventually experience bulbar palsy. Multiple sclerosis and Kennedy’s disease are other neurodegenerative conditions that can trigger bulbar palsy.
Other causes of bulbar palsy include strokes and brain tumors. The condition can also result from undiagnosed or untreated viral infections, such as polio, and bacterial infections, including botulism. Metabolic disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome can also cause bulbar palsy when the immune system attacks the nerves in the brainstem responsible for facial muscle movements.
Some of the early signs of bulbar palsy include:
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Facial weakness or drooping
- Difficulty making facial expressions
- Weak or absent gag reflex
- Respiratory issues
- Weak or hoarse voice
Adults who are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed can experience a progressive set of symptoms that deteriorate muscle function and mobility.
Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney for Bulbar Palsy Cases
Bulbar palsy is a significant neurological condition that can change a person’s life and cause physical disability and impairments. When the condition goes untreated due to a healthcare provider error, an experienced and dedicated medical malpractice attorney can advocate for you and leverage their legal knowledge to protect your rights. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we focus on:
- Investigating your situation
- Collecting and preserving evidence
- Documenting your medical care and injuries
- Fighting for maximum compensation
- Preparing a case for court when necessary
- Providing compassionate guidance throughout the legal process
Insurance companies and healthcare providers aggressively counter medical malpractice claims to protect their profits and reputations, often undervaluing your pain and suffering. This makes it challenging for individuals to secure fair compensation after a member of the medical staff makes a serious error. Before speaking with an insurer or hospital staff, secure legal representation to help you understand and evaluate your options.
Can Bulbar Palsy Be Caused by Medical Negligence?
Yes. In adults, bulbar palsy can be caused by misdiagnosis, clinical errors, improper management of symptoms, and failure to treat or diagnose underlying health conditions. There is currently no cure for progressive bulbar palsy, and the condition is terminal. While treatment options for non-progressive bulbar palsy cannot reverse existing nerve damage, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help patients manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. Treatment options may also help slow the progression of the disorder in some patients.
In rare cases, substandard maternal care and birth injuries during the labor and delivery process can lead to a bulbar palsy diagnosis. Typically, this occurs due to head trauma during or after birth or oxygen deprivation.
Examples of Medical Errors That Could Lead to Bulbar Palsy
While some cases of bulbar palsy stem from the natural progression of the underlying disease, others may be linked to preventable medical errors, including:
- Misdiagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Failure to diagnose infections/neurological diseases
- Failure to recognize the signs of brain injury or stroke
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Clinical errors
- Drug reactions
- Delayed C-section or emergency medical intervention
- Improper use of medical devices during birth
Whether your child suffered a birth injury or you suffered bulbar palsy due to medical errors, you need an experienced bulbar palsy medical negligence attorney who can take legal action on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice in an Illinois Bulbar Palsy Malpractice Claim
Medical malpractice hinges on proving that a medical professional provided a substandard level of care to a patient, care that another similarly trained and experienced professional would not have provided under similar circumstances.
The provider must owe the patient a duty of care and have an established doctor-patient relationship in place. Proving medical malpractice also requires demonstrating a direct violation of that duty of care that an otherwise similarly educated and experienced provider would not have provided. Finally, the patient must experience harm due to the provider’s actions or inaction.
Proving substandard medical care involves careful examination of medical records, witness statements, and expert witness testimony. Every case is fact-specific.
What Types of Compensation May Be Available for Bulbar Palsy Malpractice?
Don’t accept an insurer’s or other party’s offer without reviewing your legal options for pursuing compensation. Many insurers offer lowball settlements to avoid lengthy and expensive bulbar palsy misdiagnosis lawsuits. Seldom do these entities have your best interests at heart.
Although the value of a bulbar palsy malpractice claim varies based on the facts of the situation, you may seek compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Caretaking expenses
- Pain and suffering
An experienced medical malpractice attorney will calculate the fair value of your claim to pursue the full amount you deserve.
Contact Our Chicago Bulbar Palsy Malpractice Lawyers Today
A medical error that leads to bulbar palsy can drastically change the course of your life and the lives of your loved ones. The legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. wants to help fight to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve to address your unique medical needs.
Contact our Chicago office today and request a free consultation to discuss your situation with a bulbar palsy lawyer.
