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Heart attacks are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate attention and accurate diagnosis to treat effectively. A failure to promptly diagnose a patient’s condition can result in severe health complications or even death. Tragically, this happens far more often than many realize.
If you or a loved one has experienced a misdiagnosed heart attack, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and pain radiating to the arm or jaw. However, some people, particularly women and older adults, may experience atypical symptoms, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Misdiagnosis can happen in several ways:
- Dismissing symptoms as less severe conditions (e.g., indigestion or anxiety)
- Failing to order appropriate diagnostic tests
- Misinterpreting test results
- Overlooking risk factors or medical history
A misdiagnosed heart attack can have severe and far-reaching consequences on the patient’s life, impacting their health and quality of life. When a heart attack is misdiagnosed, critical time is lost during which effective treatments could be pursued, such as the administration of clot-busting drugs or surgical procedures to restore blood flow to the heart. This delay can lead to extensive organ damage that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, which might cause chronic heart failure or other serious cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, a misdiagnosis can increase the risk of a subsequent, potentially fatal heart attack.
Legal Implications of Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
A failure by a healthcare professional to diagnose a heart attack correctly may constitute medical malpractice. As such, patients who have suffered harm because of a misdiagnosed heart attack may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To succeed in such a claim, the patient (or their survivors, in the event that the heart attack proved fatal) must establish that another healthcare provider of similar experience and training would have correctly diagnosed the condition based on the symptoms.
Depending on the circumstances, any of the following could be liable for the patient’s misdiagnosis:
- The treating physician
- The hospital or medical facility
- Nurses or other healthcare staff involved in the patient’s care
- Laboratory technicians responsible for running and interpreting tests
If a medical malpractice claim is successful, the patient or their survivors may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of wrongful death, survivors may be entitled to compensation for things like funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Seeking Legal Recourse
If you believe you’ve been a victim of heart attack misdiagnosis, it’s crucial to take prompt action by:
- Obtaining Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical records, including test results, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans.
- Seeking a Second Opinion: Talk with another healthcare provider to assess your condition and the appropriateness of the care you received.
- Writing Things Down: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, medical visits, and how the misdiagnosis has affected your life.
- Consulting an Experienced Attorney: Medical malpractice cases are complex. An attorney who has experience handling these claims can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Heart attack misdiagnosis can have severe consequences, both medically and legally. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a misdiagnosed heart attack, it’s essential to understand your rights and the potential for legal recourse.
The Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys at CDH Law, PLLC, can explain your rights, evaluate your options, and pursue your claim on your behalf. We’ll fight vigorously to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a misdiagnosis go unchallenged. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC represents clients in Syracuse, Central New York, and in the following towns and villages of Onondaga County: Camillus, Cicero, Clay, Dewitt, Elbridge, Geddes, Manlius, Marcellus, Onondaga, Salina, Skaneateles, Baldwinsville, East Syracuse, Fayetteville, Jefferson County, Liverpool, North Syracuse, and Solvay.