Baltimore Heart Attack Errors Lawyer
Numerous studies have shown that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This is true for women, men, and people across all ethnicities. It is important for everyone to know the common signs of a heart attack so they can seek the immediate medical attention they need. It is even more imperative that doctors recognize the symptoms of heart attacks so they can provide the necessary treatment, which can save lives. If a doctor has made a heart attack error and you or a loved one has suffered as a result, a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer will aggressively defend your rights.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
The symptoms of a heart attack are different for men and women. Men experiencing a heart attack may experience a pressure in the chest that lasts for more than a couple of minutes. The pressure may feel like a tightening or squeezing. Men will also likely experience the telltale pain or tingling in their arm, usually on the left side.
The symptoms of a heart attack in women vary widely, and they are far different from those seen in men. The most common signs of a heart attack in women include:
- Pain or pressure in the upper abdomen or lower chest
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Upper back pressure
- Restlessness
The chest pain and aches in the left arm are not commonly seen in women suffering from heart attacks. Sometimes, these are the two main symptoms doctors will look for when diagnosing a heart attack. If they are not present, they may send a patient home, which is a heart attack error that has catastrophic results.
Other Heart Attack Errors
Failure to diagnose heart attacks, particularly in women, is one of the most common medical errors in these cases, but there are others, too. Some other examples of negligence involving heart attacks are as follows:
- Failing to review family history: Heart disease is often genetic and so, it is important doctors review a patient’s family history to determine if they are at greater risk of suffering from a heart attack.
- Misinterpretation of test results: When a doctor does suspect a patient is having a heart attack, they will perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). Misinterpreting the results can make it seem as though the patient is not suffering from a heart attack even when they are.
- Misdiagnosis: It is very common for patients experiencing a heart attack to get a diagnosis of a much less serious condition, such as heartburn or indigestion.
Any time any of the above heart attack errors are made, or any other, patients and their families can file a medical malpractice claim against the doctor or hospital.
Let Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Baltimore Review Your Case
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a heart attack error, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers can help you make it right. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorneys know how to hold negligent doctors responsible for their actions so you claim the full and fair damages you deserve. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
