Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Can Cause Serious Losses

Monday, January 17, 2022

Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Can Cause Serious Losses

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Each year, heart attack misdiagnosis leads to thousands of deaths, unnecessary injuries, and additional pain and suffering. Heart attack victims might have a medical malpractice claim if their condition worsened due to a misdiagnosis. You may also have a cause of action if your loved one died due to a heart attack misdiagnosis, and you should never wait to speak with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney.

How does a heart attack misdiagnosis happen?

A common reason that heart attacks are misdiagnosed is due to the fact that heart attack symptoms are similar to many other illnesses’ symptoms. Heart attacks are commonly misdiagnosed as:

• Heartburn
• Angina
• Bronchitis
• Acid reflux
• Esophagitis
• Pneumonia
• Gallstones
• Panic attacks
• Musculoskeletal pain

The similarity of symptoms isn’t the only reason for misdiagnosis. A heart attack misdiagnosis can occur because of many factors:

• Failure to inquire about a thorough medical history
• Failure to perform a thorough physical exam
• The patient doesn’t fit the typical health profile for heart attack victims
• Failure to order necessary tests in a timely manner
• Improper reading of EKG or overreliance on EKG results
• Laboratory error

Whenever your physician fails to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, perform appropriate tests, or act correctly, you may have a medical malpractice claim. Reach out to a Chicago medical malpractice attorney to learn about your options and get a free case review.

What type of damages result from a heart attack misdiagnosis?

When a heart attack victim does not receive proper treatment, they may suffer additional injuries, permanent damage, or may die as a result. 

The consequences of a misdiagnosis may include:

• Muscle death
• Scarring of the heart
• Permanent brain damage
• Readmission to the hospital

In addition, individuals who suffer from heart attack misdiagnosis may find that their heart muscles are significantly weakened to the point where the muscles are unable to pump blood effectively. This means they may be unable to return to work or engage in physical activity in the way they used to. There is also a risk of further complications in the future. 

What compensation can I get from a heart attack misdiagnosis?

If your physician fails to accurately diagnose your heart attack and you suffered severe injuries as a result you may be eligible to recover damages, including:

• Medical bills;
• Medications;
• Ongoing medical care and support;
• Lost wages from missed work;
• Loss of future income, if disabled; or
• Pain, suffering, or emotional anguish.

If your loved one died as a result of a misdiagnosis, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical bills;
• Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses;
• Loss of financial support; or
• Loss of consortium (loss of companionship, love, and comfort).

Contact Chicago’s Medical Malpractice Attorney Today for a Free Case Review

If you believe that you or a loved one may have experienced a heart attack misdiagnosis, please contact our experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorneys for a free case review. We are committed to using our experience to help you or your loved one obtain fair compensation for your medical malpractice claim.