Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer 

Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer 

Suffering from injury or harm due to a healthcare professional not diagnosing a heart attack correctly?

A heart attack misdiagnosis can be traumatic and result in severe consequences.

Working with Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers is the first step towards getting compensation for your pain. 

We’ll work with you to assess your case and the circumstances surrounding it and advise you on all available legal options.

Our attorneys understand heart attack misdiagnosis cases and will take on every aspect of your claim, ensuring that your needs and those of your loved ones will be taken care of in a timely fashion. 

Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Claims: Can A Heart Attack Be Misdiagnosed?

Yes, a heart attack can be misdiagnosed.

Misdiagnosis can occur for various reasons, including atypical presentation, similarities to other conditions, or errors in interpretation of diagnostic tests.

If you suspect you suffered from a heart attack that was misdiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed, then you may have a legal claim to compensation.

Our Experience With Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuits

We’re a Chicago-based wrong diagnosis law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in cases involving heart attack misdiagnosis and related injuries. 

We have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients suffered harm due to false or incorrectly diagnosed heart attacks and related complications, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our expertise in this area often involves collaborating with medical experts to uncover negligence and advocate for their clients’ rights. 

We focus on clients in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. 

Some examples of our medical malpractice lawsuit cases we’ve handled include settlements of $1.25 million for an undisclosed negligent failure.

What Is A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis?

A heart attack misdiagnosis occurs when a heart attack is incorrectly identified as another condition or when another condition is mistakenly diagnosed as a heart attack. 

This can happen due to a variety of factors, including atypical presentation of symptoms, similarities to other medical conditions, or errors in diagnostic processes.

How Often Are Heart Attacks Misdiagnosed?

Heart attacks are sometimes misdiagnosed, though the exact frequency can vary based on several factors including the population studied, healthcare setting, and diagnostic methods used. 

Misdiagnosis rates of heart attacks or related conditions in emergency departments can range from 2% to 11%. 

Common reasons for misdiagnosis include atypical symptoms, especially in women and younger patients, as well as those with diabetes.

Some studies suggest that women, particularly younger women, are more likely to be misdiagnosed when experiencing a heart attack compared to men.

Misdiagnoses can have serious consequences, leading to delays in treatment and increased risk of complications or death.

Efforts to improve diagnostic accuracy include better training for healthcare providers, use of advanced diagnostic tools, and public education on recognizing heart attack symptoms.

Why Is A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis So Serious?

A heart attack misdiagnosis is serious because it can lead to several severe consequences:

• Delayed Treatment. Immediate treatment is crucial for heart attack patients. Delays can cause more extensive heart damage, leading to decreased heart function and increased risk of complications.

• Increased Mortality Risk. Untreated or inadequately treated heart attacks significantly increase the risk of death. Prompt treatment can improve survival rates.

• Worsening of Condition. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the underlying condition causing the heart attack may worsen, leading to recurrent heart attacks or other cardiac events.

• Complications. Misdiagnosed heart attacks can result in complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular conditions that may require more intensive and long-term medical care.

• Psychological Impact. Misdiagnosis can cause significant stress and anxiety for patients, who may lose trust in the healthcare system and experience fear about their health and future.

• Increased Healthcare Costs:.Misdiagnosis often leads to additional tests, treatments, and hospitalizations, increasing overall healthcare costs for patients and the healthcare system.

Ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis of heart attacks is essential to prevent these serious outcomes and improve patient prognosis.

How Could A Doctor Misdiagnose A Heart Attack?

Doctors can misdiagnose a heart attack for several reasons, such as:

• Atypical Symptoms. Heart attack symptoms can vary widely. While chest pain is common, some patients, especially women, the elderly, and people with diabetes, may experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in areas like the jaw, back, or arms.

• Comorbid Conditions. Conditions like acid reflux, anxiety, or musculoskeletal pain can mimic heart attack symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis.

• Inadequate Patient History. If a patient’s medical history is not thoroughly reviewed, important risk factors or previous cardiac issues might be overlooked.

• Incomplete Or Misinterpreted Diagnostic Tests. Electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood tests, and imaging studies might be misinterpreted or fail to show definitive signs of a heart attack, especially if the heart attack is small or in its early stages.

• Bias And Stereotypes. Misconceptions about who is at risk for heart attacks can lead to misdiagnosis. For instance, young women and those without obvious risk factors might be less likely to be diagnosed correctly compared to older men with classic risk factors.

• Communication Issues. Miscommunication between healthcare providers or between the patient and provider can result in incomplete or incorrect information being used for diagnosis.

• Lack Of Time And Excessive Workload. In busy emergency departments or clinics, the pressure to see many patients quickly can lead to less thorough evaluations and increased risk of misdiagnosis.

What Types Of Heart Attacks Are Commonly Misdiagnosed?

Certain types of heart attacks are more commonly misdiagnosed due to their atypical presentation or subtle diagnostic signs. 

• Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). NSTEMI may present with less dramatic or more subtle symptoms compared to ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The ECG changes with NSTEMI can be minimal or non-specific, making it harder to diagnose without additional tests like blood markers for cardiac enzymes.

• Silent Myocardial Infarction. Some heart attacks, particularly in people with diabetes, may occur with minimal or no symptoms (silent heart attacks). The lack of classic symptoms can lead to these being missed during initial evaluation and may only be detected later through ECGs or other diagnostic tests.

• Atypical Presentations. Women, elderly individuals, and people with diabetes often present with atypical symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or pain in areas other than the chest. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions like gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, or musculoskeletal problems.

• Right Ventricular Infarction.This type of heart attack often presents with low blood pressure, clear lungs, and increased jugular venous pressure. It can be missed if only standard ECG leads are used. Right-sided ECG leads are needed for accurate diagnosis.

• Posterior Myocardial Infarction. Posterior heart attacks may present with vague back pain or discomfort. Standard ECG leads might not detect these, requiring additional leads or imaging for accurate diagnosis.

• Coronary Artery Spasm (Prinzmetal’s Angina). Episodes of chest pain occur at rest and are often due to transient coronary artery spasm rather than fixed blockages. Symptoms can mimic other types of angina or non-cardiac chest pain and may not show typical signs on standard ECG unless captured during an episode.

What Are The Signs Of A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis?

The signs of a heart attack misdiagnosis can vary, but here are some key indicators that you or a loved one may have experienced a misdiagnosis:

• Symptoms Were Dismissed Or Misinterpreted. An atypical presentation or symptoms like fatigue, nausea, back pain, or shortness of breath may be attributed to non-cardiac issues without thorough cardiac evaluation or classic symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort may be downplayed or attributed to anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, or musculoskeletal pain.

• Incomplete Or Incorrect Diagnostic Testing. An ECG, blood tests for cardiac markers, or other relevant diagnostics may not be performed or may be inadequately conducted, or the results of diagnostic tests may not be incorrectly read or misinterpreted.

• Delayed Treatment Or Inadequate Response. A significant delay in initiating treatment after presenting with symptoms or inadequate follow-up after initial evaluation may lead to a missed diagnosis.

• Discrepancies In Medical Records. After a medical event, subsequent evaluations or tests reveal a diagnosis that contradicts the initial assessment, particularly if symptoms persist or worsen despite being treated for a different condition.

• Missed Risk Factors. Personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors may not be considered or physical examination findings that could indicate heart issues may be overlooked.

What Happens If A Heart Attack Is Misdiagnosed?

A number of complications or adverse outcomes can occur if a heart attack is misdiagnosed, 

The patient may experience a delay in receiving critical treatment, leading to more extensive heart damage and decreased heart function. This delay increases the risk of complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and recurrent heart attacks. 

The patient may suffer from prolonged symptoms and reduced quality of life. 

Misdiagnosis can result in higher medical costs due to additional tests, treatments, and hospitalizations. 

Emotional distress and loss of trust in the healthcare system can also occur. 

In severe cases, a misdiagnosed heart attack can lead to death.

Do I Need A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer?

If a second opinion from another healthcare provider confirms a heart attack that was initially missed, you should consult a lawyer with experience handling heart attack misdiagnosis cases.

If that attorney suggests that the treatment received did not meet the standard of care, you may have a potential malpractice case.

If you suspect a heart attack misdiagnosis, it’s crucial to seek a second medical opinion and consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice to explore your options.

Can You Sue A Doctor For Not Diagnosing A Heart Attack?

Yes, you can sue a doctor for not diagnosing a heart attack if it can be shown that the doctor acted negligently. To succeed in a medical malpractice case, you typically need to prove these four elements:

1. Duty Of Care. The doctor had a responsibility to provide competent care.

2. Breach Of Duty. The doctor failed to meet the standard of care expected, such as not recognizing heart attack symptoms.

3. Causation. This negligence directly caused harm or worsened the patient’s condition.

4. Damages.There were measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

It’s important to consult a heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer with experience in these types of malpractice claims to evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action.

Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Malpractice Lawsuit FAQs

Get answers to your questions about heart attack misdiagnosis malpractice lawsuits from our medical malpractice lawyers.

How Is A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Proven In Malpractice Cases?

Malpractice cases involving any kind of incorrect diagnosis require certain evidence.

Typically, this involves demonstrating that the medical professional(s) involved failed to adhere to the accepted standard of care during the procedure. 

This failure is proven via expert testimony from cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and other relevant specialists, medical record review to identify deviations from protocol, and the establishment of a clear causal link between the error and the resulting injury through medical analysis and documentation.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Malpractice Lawsuit?

Some examples of key evidence in a heart attack misdiagnosis lawsuit includes medical records detailing the diagnosis and any associated procedures, any tests performed and the associated results, evidence of any complications, and subsequent treatments planned and performed. 

Expert testimony from cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, or other relevant medical specialists is often critical for establishing the standard of care and identifying deviations. 

Documentation demonstrating the link between the error and the resulting injury, such as medical evaluations and patient testimony, also strengthens the case for negligence and damages.

Is There A Statute Of Limitations On Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuits In Illinois?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations on heart attack misdiagnosis lawsuits in Illinois.

Individuals unable to resolve their malpractice claim against the at-fault provider’s medical malpractice insurance policy can file the claim as a medical malpractice lawsuit, which is a formal request for a judge or jury to hear the case and make determinations about liability and compensation.

To protect this right, the claimant must file their lawsuit within two years of the date on which they knew or—through “reasonable diligence”—should have known they experienced an injury due to a medical error.

Even if there was a delay in determining the error occurred, claimants only have a maximum of 4 years from the date of the error to file a lawsuit.

There are some exceptions, however, such as claims involving minor children, in which parents or guardians of the child have up to 8 years to file the claim, or the child is granted the ability to file the claim themselves within four years of reaching the age of majority (which means they must file the claim before their 22nd birthday).

While it seems like an arbitrary number, this deadline (known as the statute of limitations) is one of the most critical aspects of your claim.

Failing to file a lawsuit during this time frame will usually bar the claimant from using the court process to seek compensation for the expenses and impacts they incurred due to the error. 

Be aware that if the statute of limitations has expired, the at-fault provider’s insurance company will likely refuse to compensate the claim as well, as they no longer face litigation if they do not.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Expect From A Successful Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuit?

In a successful lawsuit for a heart attack misdiagnosis or similar claim, your compensation typically covers medical expenses related to treating the injury caused by the malpractice, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. 

Additionally, your compensation may include reimbursement for lost income due to the injury plus damages for pain and suffering endured as a result of the malpractice.

If a wrongful death occurred due to a heart attack misdiagnosis, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.

The exact amount of compensation you may receive in a heart attack misdiagnosis malpractice lawsuit is based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your or the patient’s life, and applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

How Can A Medical Malpractice Lawyer Assist Me With A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Claim?

Being diagnosed with and treated for a heart attack can be traumatic — and so are medical malpractice claims. 

An experienced heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer who understands the malpractice legal process, the types of expenses and impacts you are dealing with, and the type of compensation needed to compensate those costs fairly is crucial to obtaining the compensation you need.

In addition to providing the guidance you need to make decisions that reflect your best interest, your attorney and their legal team can also offer services such as:

• Determining who was liable for the error.

• Establishing a value to the claim.

• Managing communication with the malpractice insurance provider.

• Negotiating a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injury.

• Gathering the evidence and eyewitness or expert witness needed to prove your claim in court.

• Litigation services pertaining to the representation of your case to a judge or jury.

• Assistance in obtaining the proceeds of your negotiated settlement or court award.

Find A Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer To Review Your Case In Chicago, Illinois

Did you or a loved one suffer from a heart attack misdiagnosis or similar issue that occurred in Illinois?

If you are located in Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers today.