When Doctors Misdiagnose a Heart Attack

An undiagnosed heart attack can lead to serious health complications and even death.  If you or someone you love has had a heart attack that was not properly diagnosed by the doctor, you need to know your legal rights.

Every year, half a million people in the United States die of heart attacks.  A percentage of these deaths could have been due to undiagnosed heart attacks.  Even though it is hard to determine the amount of deaths caused by misdiagnosed heart attacks, doctors believe that the number is high.

Despite advances in diagnostics and medical protocols, many heart attacks are still missed.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that one in 50 heart attack victims are sent home by emergency room doctors by mistake.  Some studies have shown this rate to be even higher.

Usually measures can be taken by doctors and hospitals to help save the life of someone experiencing a heart attack.  Unfortunately, if the heart attack is misdiagnosed, these measures are not taken and sometimes the patient’s life is lost. 

Misdiagnosed heart attacks make up the largest percentage of malpractice settlements.  A doctor or hospital can be held liable when negligence was involved.  Missed heart attacks are often the result of errors in diagnosis.  One doctor was quoted in an article as saying that even the best physicians can easily miss cases. 

If you or a family member had a misdiagnosed heart attack, you may be entitled to compensation.  You should consult with a Kentucky medical malpractice attorney who can review your case to determine if malpractice existed.  The medical malpractice lawyers at Gray and White Law have extensive experience in this area of law and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.  Call us today at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for advice regarding your case.

The article, Misdiagnosed Heart Attacks Cause Deaths in the United States, has more information on this subject.