What We Do > Missed Heart Attack Cases
According to the American Heart Association, there are certain signs which present themselves when someone is having a heart attack (cardiac arrest). Know these signs, and lives can be saved. They include:
- Discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness) or pain in the center of the chest (lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back)
- Discomfort or pain in one arm
- Discomfort or pain in both arms
- Discomfort or pain in the back (particularly in women)
- Discomfort or pain in the neck
- Discomfort or pain in jaw (particularly in women)
- Discomfort or pain in stomach
- Shortness of breath (with chest discomfort)
- Shortness of breath (without chest discomfort)
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Gas / Stomach type symptoms
Moreover, the speed of treatment is extremely important in a heart attack. Even a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Emergency medical professionals such as ER doctors and EMS technicians should readily determine that the patient may be suffering a cardiac arrest and begin lifesaving heart attack treatment immediately.
Missed Heart Attack Malpractice
Despite the common knowledge of heart attack symptoms as well as the obvious need for fast treatment, missed heart attacks are prevalent errors in this country. Too often, ER doctors send home patients suffering heart attacks with a misdiagnosis of indigestion, with deadly results.
Unfortunately, missed heart attack mistakes are usually fatal. Cardiology errors cause deaths because the doctor misses the heart attack as it is happening (misdiagnosing it as indigestion, muscle strain, stress, etc.) or the doctor misses the heart attack by failing to properly read EKGs or other test results. Either way, patients suffer serious heart attacks and oftentimes die because of these medical errors.
What Can You Do if You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Fatal Heart Attack After the Doctor Missed the Heart Attack Diagnosis?
Legal action can be taken by the patient who has been improperly and negligently treated by a doctor who fails to timely diagnose a heart attack, but an experienced medical malpractice attorney will be needed to evaluate their case.
Our attorneys at Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor are experienced in reviewing lab tests, diagnostic studies and medical records along with the experienced and credentialed medical professionals who serve as their consulting experts. Together, we determine the bases for a law suit as well as the likely defenses that will be asserted by the medical professionals. It is to be expected that doctors and hospitals will mount tremendous legal defenses, denying their responsibility in these cases.
With proper documentation and expert support, victims of missed heart attack diagnoses and their families can sue those responsible and potentially obtain monetary damages. In the event of an untimely death, the victim's loved ones may be able to obtain wrongful death damages, as well. If your loved one has suffered a fatal heart attack as a result of a doctor's incorrect diagnosis there is a legal deadline for filing these lawsuits, so call NOW toll free 1-888-888-3773. The consultation and call are FREE.