Phoenix Heart Attack Malpractice Lawyers
According to federal statistics, nearly 500,000 people in the United States die as the result of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) each year. Many of these deaths could be prevented by quick diagnosis and treatment or by attention to developing symptoms of coronary artery disease. However, this does not always happen. Doctors sometimes miss the signs of a developing heart attack and fail to act appropriately to prevent further damage. The result is life-altering cardiac damage or a death that could have been prevented.
Failing To Recognize Symptoms of a Heart Attack
We see situations in which the classic symptoms of a heart attack were present, but not recognized as being cardiac related. Crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to other parts of the body, most commonly the left arm or the back, are the most common signs of a heart attack. Many times, however, the symptoms are less obvious. In these situations, doctors must rule out a heart attack, even if they believe the symptoms are being caused by something else. That does not always happen. Patients can be left sitting in the emergency room waiting area without getting the critical treatment needed to save their lives, or worse, sent home with the wrong diagnosis.
Time Is of the Essence
Like so many life-threatening, emergent, medical conditions, when a doctor misses the signs of heart attack, the critical period of time when action can be taken effectively is lost. While many heart attack victims never make it to a doctor’s care in time, those that do trust that a trained health care professional will recognize the signs of a heart attack and take prompt action.
Contact Our Phoenix, Arizona Medical Malpractice Law Firm for Claims Involving Heart Attack
Contact us at (602) 648-3200 about any medical malpractice that you or a loved one may have experienced anywhere in Arizona involving heart attack and heart attack misdiagnosis. Consultations are free and confidential.