One evening, Jane’s husband was experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. Being a concerned wife, she called a family member to supervise their children and rushed her husband to the emergency room.  The physician took note of her husband’s medical history and current health and determined it was most likely severe acid reflux. That night, Jane’s husband passed away from complications of a heart attack and Jane is left confused, devastated, and alone.

How Often Do Misdiagnoses Happen in the U.S.?

12 million Americans are misdiagnosed each year in the United States. Think about that. A scientifically advanced country misdiagnoses millions of patients every year. That is millions of lives forever changed and lost due to an error in medical care.

Heart Attacks Are Commonly Misdiagnosed

BBC News recently reported that one in three heart attack cases are misdiagnosed. Why such a high number? Signs of a heart attack can often be misinterpreted and dismissed as heartburn, acid reflux, or an anxiety attack, especially if there is no medical history of a heart attack by the patient. They often don’t fit the typical profile of a “heart attack patient” that would signal a doctor to determine the discomfort experienced by the patient is, in fact, a heart attack. If the patient is in overall good health, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t have high blood pressure, and isn’t obese, it is assumed they could not possibly be having a heart attack. Frequent causes that lead to a heart attack misdiagnosis include:

• Failure to look through medical history
• Failure to perform a thorough physical examination
• Assuming a patient is too healthy for a heart attack
• Failure to diagnose heart attacks in women or younger patients
• Failure to order necessary tests in a timely fashion
• Improper reading of test results
• Delayed diagnosis
• Laboratory error

What Are the Possible Results of a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis?

In the event of a heart attack, every minute counts. Early detection could save your life. When it goes unnoticed, it can cause permanent cardiac damage or death. The damage of a heart attack cannot be repaired. Because of this, the patient could suffer heart failure and pass away.

Who Should Be Held Accountable for a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis?

Though it varies on a case-by-case basis, when you are a patient, you are in the hands of the hospital’s care. You are completely dependent on their observations, diagnosis, and advice. In the event of malpractice, the hospital, doctors, and medical staff are typically held responsible for any failure to diagnose. It is their job to notice, it is their job to give you proper care, and it is their responsibility to help you reach good health.

In New York, Is There a Time Limit to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

In New York State, there is a statute of limitations when it comes to a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine the statute of limitations for your specific type of case.

If you’ve suffered the pain of losing a loved one due to medical negligence, The People’s Lawyer is here for you. We are experienced malpractice lawyers with the knowledge and compassion to fight for you. We know how much the loss of your spouse or family member has affected you, emotionally, physically, and economically. Let Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi and Pearlman stand up for you to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us for free legal advice on medical malpractice claims today.

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Tags: Medical Malpractice