Thromboembolism

Thromboembolism Caused by Medication Errors: A Preventable Catastrophe

What Is Thromboembolism?

Thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one part of the body—most commonly in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)—then breaks free and travels to block another vessel. When the clot lodges in the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism (PE). These events can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

What Causes Thromboembolism?

While underlying conditions like immobility, cancer, surgery, or genetic predispositions increase clotting risk, medication errors play a major role in preventable cases. Providers commonly use anticoagulant medications—such as warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)—to help prevent DVT and PE in at-risk patients. But mismanagement—such as incorrect dosing, omitted doses, or failure to adjust based on patient factors—can neglect necessary protection, allowing clots to form and become fatal emboli.

Is Thromboembolism Always Caused by Medical Malpractice?

No. Many cases of thromboembolism occur despite proper care. However, medical negligence becomes malpractice when providers fail to act according to accepted clinical standards regarding:

• Initiating or continuing DVT prophylaxis when indicated post-surgery or during hospitalization
• Monitoring clotting labs or adjusting anticoagulants based on patient-specific risks
• Recognizing warning signs (e.g., leg swelling, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath)
• Responding to clinical changes that suggest developing clot complications

When these lapses result in a preventable embolic event, a legal claim may be warranted.

How Medication Errors Cause Preventable Harm

Real-world examples of medication mismanagement that can lead to thromboembolism include:

• Failure to administer anticoagulants: Patients with fractures or surgeries who should receive prophylaxis but don’t—especially if mobility is limited.
• Delays or omissions in medication delivery: Administration errors or charting mistakes that lead to missed doses.
• Under-dosing or failure to monitor labs: Patients receiving too-low dosages or having unsafe INR/aPTT levels go unchecked.
• Improper transitions of care: Anticoagulants ordered in hospital but not continued in rehab or post-discharge.
• Failure to respond to signs of DVT or PE: Ignoring or misdiagnosing symptoms such as leg swelling, sudden chest pain, or increased respirations.

When Can a Lawsuit Be Filed?

A malpractice lawsuit may be appropriate when all elements are present:

1. A provider–patient relationship existed.
2. The provider breached the standard of care, e.g., neglected prophylaxis protocols.
3. This breach directly caused the thromboembolic injury or death.
4. The patient or family suffered measurable damages—such as death, disability, or medical expenses.

Expert review of clinical records, prophylaxis orders, medication charts, monitoring logs, physical assessments, and diagnostic imaging is critical to establishing negligence and causation.

Real Case Examples: Verdicts & Settlements

Here are documented cases showing how failures in medication management led to serious harm:

• $30 Million Jury Verdict – Florida (Fernandez v. Baptist Health)
  A 71-year-old patient with a fractured ankle was transferred from hospital to nursing care without receiving ordered heparin. She later died from a saddle pulmonary embolism. The jury awarded $30 million, assigning 95% fault to the nursing provider.
• $4.8 Million Verdict – Cook County, Illinois
  A patient undergoing quadriceps tendon surgery did not receive prescribed blood thinners and died of a massive pulmonary embolism one week later. The jury found negligence and reduced the award by 20% for contributory fault.
• $1.9 Million Verdict – Ohio
  A 31-year-old woman presented to ER with leg pain but was misdiagnosed with musculoskeletal strain. She was sent home and died the next morning of a pulmonary embolism. The jury awarded $1.9 million.
• $850,000 Verdict – Maryland
  A man recovering from hernia surgery was placed on compression stockings but never given chemical prophylaxis despite hospital protocol. He later died from a pulmonary embolism. The jury awarded $850,000 .
• $4 Million Settlement – Texas
  In a case handled by Marynell Maloney Law Firm, a systemic failure to follow up on blood clot protocols after hospitalization resulted in a young doctor’s death from a massive pulmonary embolus. The case settled for $4 million.

These cases highlight how missed or mishandled anticoagulant therapy and ignored prophylaxis protocols directly lead to life-threatening thromboembolic events—and how courts respond when such failures cause harm.

Why These Cases Matter

Each example illustrates a core principle: when clear guidelines for anticoagulant therapy aren’t followed, patients may die or suffer catastrophic outcomes from preventable clots. Courts consistently recognize failure to properly manage thrombosis risk as a serious deviation from standard care, warranting financial accountability.

What You Should Do If You Suspect Malpractice

If you believe that a family member or loved one suffered a thromboembolic injury due to improper medication management:

• Obtain all relevant medical records, including medication charts, orders for prophylaxis, lab results, nursing notes, and imaging studies.
• Consult a skilled medical malpractice attorney to examine whether established protocols were breached.
• Preserve evidence of injuries, treatment timelines, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic losses.
• Take prompt action, as statutes of limitations vary and delays in filing may harm legal options.

How Lupetin & Unatin Can Help

At Lupetin & Unatin, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated solely to representing patients and families who’ve suffered catastrophic harm from medical negligence. If a preventable blood clot or embolic event occurred—especially due to medication errors—we can provide a thorough investigation, expert analysis, and legal advocacy to seek justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and potential claim.