Medical Malpractice and Loss of Speech
Our medical malpractice attorneys take all cases of medical negligence seriously. We believe that our medial professionals need to live up to a basic standard of care, ensuring that no harm comes to their patients and that wellness is promoted and achieved.
One medical error we'd like to look at right now involves the loss of the ability to speak due to medical mistakes. These kinds of problems may only be temporary in some cases, but in others, the issue will have lasting repercussions for the duration of a patient's life.
Can medical errors really lead to the loss of speech?
Yes. There are a number of different causes of speech loss and speech impairment, and sometimes it can be the result of a medical error. If this does occur, you need to hold the negligent medical professional accountable.
Surgical Errors and Affects on Speech
You've likely heard about actress Julie Andrews losing her singing voice because of a botched operation on her vocal chords. While her singing voice was dramatically altered, she at least retained her ability to speak. Some patients are not so lucky.
Any operations performed on the throat and vocal chords needs to be done very carefully in order to preserve a person's ability to speak. These kinds of surgical errors account for some of the worst patient injuries we see with regard to voice and speech loss/impairment.
Medication Side Effects and Their Affects on Speech
Some medications will cause temporary impairment or loss of speech as a side effect. It is up to doctors to inform their patients of this possibility. Even if only temporary, the sudden and unexpected inability to speak can have a significant impact on a person's personal and professional life.
In addition, combinations of medications can cause speech loss as well, so it is incumbent on doctors and pharmacists to consider what drugs a patient is taking to protect them from potential harm.
Failure to Diagnose Medical Conditions That Causes Speech Loss
While surgical errors and medications can both lead to speech loss, the loss of speech is also linked to a number of medical conditions. For example, strokes, brain tumors, and different kinds of facial paralysis can all cause problems with speech. If a doctor fails to catch the early warning signs of these conditions, he or she may have been negligent in their duty to a patient.
Failure to Diagnose Oral Cancer
Certain kinds of oral cancers can also cause the loss of speech or lead to the loss of speech. In such cases, if doctors failed to catch and treat early signs of oral cancer, they can be held liable for a failure to diagnose or a delayed diagnosis.
How Our Legal Team Can Help
Our medical malpractice team will fight diligently to ensure that your legal rights are noted. We will seek just compensation to cover the hardships you've had to endure, and will also assist in seeking compensation to cover speech therapy when applicable as a means to recover your ability to speak.
Learn More About Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If you would like to learn more about your legal options following the loss of your ability to speak, be sure to contact our Salt Lake City medical malpractice attorneys today. Our team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive just compensation for serious injuries to your vocal chords, tongue, or throat. We are here for you in your time of legal need.
