The brain relies on adequate oxygen supply in order to function properly, responding almost immediately to oxygen depletion. Failure to promptly recognize and correct impediments to adequate oxygen delivery can result in catastrophic consequences, including severe brain injuries and even death.
Within 15 seconds, lack of oxygen leads to loss of consciousness, while brain damage begins if the brain is deprived of oxygen for approximately 4 minutes, and a person can be deemed “brain dead” after 6 minutes without oxygen. The following is one such example of the type of severe brain injury that may result when a person is not receiving adequate oxygen to their brain.
At Fronzuto Law Group, our medical malpractice attorneys are passionately committed to obtaining maximum compensation for victims and families in medical malpractice and wrongful death cases across New Jersey and New York. If you or someone you love has died or suffered an injury as a result of a brain injury involving oxygen depletion or another form medical negligence, contact us at 973-435-4551 for a cost-free consultation. We will listen to fully understand your specific circumstances, answer your questions, and outline your available legal options.
Vegetative State Caused by Brain Injury
The family of a Florida woman was recently awarded nearly $4.3 million after the negligence of medical professionals resulted in her tragic death while 33 weeks pregnant. The victim in this case was 24-year-old Patricia Belzi, who arrived at Plantation General Hospital in August of 2014 while 33 weeks pregnant. Belzi was experiencing shortness of breath when she entered the emergency room on August 8, 2014. Less than a day later, she suffered a severe brain injury, due to lack of oxygen, that left her in a vegetative state.
According to the plaintiffs in this case, Belzi’s treating physicians failed to recognize her progressive lack of oxygen, which led to a hypoxic brain injury and permanent brain damage. Due to the injury, Belzi entered a vegetative state that persisted for the next three months. A vegetative state presents as a clinical condition of complete unawareness of the self and the environment, marked by a lack of responsiveness to external stimuli. Belzi’s daughter, Abigail, was delivered in the emergency room while her mother was in a vegetative state. Abigail is now being raised by her father. Belzi passed away on November 18, 2014 at the age of 24.
This case is a tragic example of the potential repercussions of medical malpractice and hospital negligence. Although the victim’s family received a settlement from the hospital, nothing can replace the loss of a loving wife and mother.
Loved one Died due to Lack of Oxygen in New Jersey?
If you have questions regarding a brain injury in New Jersey, please call 973-435-4551 to speak with a knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney during a free consultation.
