In many cases, when a medical emergency presents time is of the essence. In general, patients who suffer heart attacks and strokes that are able to get to a hospital quickly stand a much chance of survival and recovery. However, when doctors and other medical professionals fail to take immediate medical action, permanent injury and irreversible damage can result.

A couple recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against two doctors and the hospital where the woman was treated after suffering a stroke. The couple arrived at the hospital at approximately 6 a.m. after the woman suffered a stroke an hour earlier. At that time, hospital staff confirmed the woman had suffered a stroke yet failed to administer any type of medication that would aid in the immediate treatment of a stroke.

Roughly four hours after being admitted to the hospital, the woman was seen by a doctor. By this time, the woman's left side was completely paralyzed and she was not able to verbally communicate. She was transferred to another hospital for additional treatment, yet never regained use of her left side.

The couple recently filed a lawsuit in which they claim that doctors and the hospital were negligent in failing to provide adequate information and treatment options. In the lawsuit, the couple asserts defendants acted with negligence in failing to administer blood thinning medication upon the woman's immediate arrival at the hospital. As a result, the woman's condition worsened and resulted in irreversible damage and a permanent injury. The couple is seeking punitive and compensatory damages related to the willful and careless actions of the defendants.

Source: The West Virginia Record, "Couple says Thomas Memorial Hospital negligent in stroke care," Kyla Asbury, April 18, 2013