A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden and often fatal medical emergency caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. Pulmonary embolisms are highly treatable when diagnosed promptly—but tragically, they are also frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely, especially when symptoms mimic less serious conditions.
A failure to diagnose or treat a pulmonary embolism may constitute medical malpractice when it results in preventable death. Under Florida law, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death medical malpractice claim when delayed or negligent care causes fatal outcomes.
At Bounds Law Group, we represent families whose loved ones died because a pulmonary embolism was not recognized or treated in time. If you believe a missed blood clot caused a wrongful death, complete our free case evaluation form or call 877-644-5122 today.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot—often originating in the legs as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs and can cause sudden collapse or death.
Untreated pulmonary embolisms may lead to:
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure
- Severe oxygen deprivation
- Right-sided heart failure
- Death
Immediate diagnosis and anticoagulant treatment are critical.
Why Pulmonary Embolisms Are So Often Missed
Pulmonary embolism symptoms are notoriously deceptive and may resemble other conditions.
Common diagnostic failures include:
- Dismissing symptoms as anxiety or panic attacks
- Misdiagnosing PE as pneumonia or asthma
- Failure to order CT pulmonary angiography
- Ignoring elevated D-dimer results
- Failure to assess clotting risk
- Premature discharge from the emergency room
When providers fail to consider PE, patients may deteriorate rapidly.
Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism That Are Overlooked
Warning signs of PE include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Coughing, sometimes with blood
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anxiety or a sense of impending doom
- Low oxygen saturation
Any combination of these symptoms requires immediate evaluation.
High-Risk Patients for Pulmonary Embolism
Healthcare providers must exercise heightened vigilance with patients who have:
- Recent surgery or hospitalization
- Prolonged immobility
- Cancer
- Pregnancy or postpartum status
- Hormone therapy or birth control use
- Prior history of DVT or PE
- Obesity or smoking history
Failure to assess these risk factors may constitute medical negligence.
How Failure to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism Leads to Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases involving PE often involve:
Delayed Imaging
CT scans or V/Q scans are not ordered despite classic symptoms.
Failure to Initiate Anticoagulation
Life-saving blood thinners are delayed or withheld.
Failure to Admit or Monitor
Patients are discharged instead of hospitalized.
Failure to Provide DVT Prophylaxis
Hospitalized patients are not given preventative blood thinners.
Missed Signs of Deterioration
Worsening oxygen levels or chest pain are ignored.
Each of these failures can turn a survivable condition into a fatal event.
When Failure to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism Is Medical Malpractice
A fatal PE case may qualify as malpractice when:
- The provider owed a duty of care
- PE symptoms or risk factors were not properly evaluated
- Diagnostic or treatment delays fell below accepted standards
- The failure caused or contributed to death
Expert testimony from pulmonologists, cardiologists, or emergency medicine physicians is typically required.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Fatal Pulmonary Embolism?
Potentially responsible parties include:
- Emergency room physicians
- Hospitalists
- Primary care providers
- Surgeons
- Nurses
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities
Facilities may also be liable for failing to provide blood clot prevention.
Wrongful Death Claims for Pulmonary Embolism in Florida
Under Florida law, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of eligible survivors, including:
- A surviving spouse
- Children (subject to medical malpractice limitations)
- Parents
- Financial dependents
Florida medical malpractice cases must comply with strict pre-suit notice and expert affidavit requirements.
Damages Available in Pulmonary Embolism Wrongful Death Cases
Surviving family members may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization and ICU treatment
- Diagnostic imaging and medications
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
Non-Economic Damages
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Loss of parental guidance
Estate Damages
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
Bounds Law Group works with experts to ensure all damages are fully pursued.
How Bounds Law Group Investigates Pulmonary Embolism Wrongful Death Cases
Our firm takes a meticulous, evidence-driven approach:
1. Medical Record Review
We analyze vital signs, imaging decisions, and clot-risk assessments.
2. Timeline Reconstruction
We determine when symptoms began and when diagnosis should have occurred.
3. Expert Medical Review
Pulmonary and vascular experts assess whether standards of care were violated.
4. Hospital Policy Evaluation
We examine DVT prevention and PE response protocols.
5. Identifying Preventable Failures
Many cases involve missed warning signs or failure to escalate care.
Warning Signs of a Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Misdiagnosis
Families often notice red flags such as:
- Sudden shortness of breath dismissed
- Chest pain labeled as anxiety
- Low oxygen levels ignored
- Sudden collapse after discharge
- Conflicting explanations from providers
If your loved one showed PE symptoms that were ignored, the death may have been preventable.
What to Do If You Suspect a Pulmonary Embolism Was Missed
Take immediate steps:
- Request all hospital records and imaging studies
- Document symptoms and timelines
- Preserve discharge instructions
- Avoid discussing the case with providers without legal counsel
- Contact Bounds Law Group promptly
Florida law limits how long families have to pursue medical malpractice claims.
Why Families Trust Bounds Law Group
Pulmonary embolism cases demand urgency and medical expertise. Families choose us because:
- We focus exclusively on medical malpractice
- We work with leading pulmonary and vascular experts
- We uncover clot-prevention failures hospitals deny
- We fight relentlessly for accountability and justice
- We support families with compassion and clarity
Your loved one deserved timely diagnosis and lifesaving treatment. When blood clots are missed, we help families seek justice.
Contact Bounds Law Group Today
If your loved one died because a pulmonary embolism was not diagnosed or treated in time, you may have legal options. Our Florida medical malpractice attorneys are ready to help you pursue justice.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call 877-644-5122 now.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Pulmonary Embolism
https://www.cdc.gov - American Lung Association – Pulmonary Embolism Overview
https://www.lung.org - National Library of Medicine – Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis and Mortality
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - Florida Statutes – Wrongful Death Act
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes