Chicago Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack Attorney
Failure to diagnose a heart attack or myocardial infarction is among the most devastating types of diagnostic errors because a patient often suffers life-threatening harm. When we visit a healthcare provider with symptoms of a heart attack, we should anticipate that we will be accurately assessed and diagnosed. If your doctor failed to diagnose a heart attack or myocardial infarction, you should consider the possibility of a medical malpractice lawsuit. A Chicago failure to diagnose heart attack attorney can assess your case for you.
What is a Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction in Chicago?
What is a heart attack and how does it happen? According to the American Heart Association, a heart attack “occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.” The American Heart Association explains that a heart attack can happen “because coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood flow can become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that together are called plaque.” A myocardial infarction is another name for a heart attack.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Chicago Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction
Symptoms of a heart attack or myocardial infarction should be identified by a doctor so that you can be treated properly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies the following as common symptoms of a heart attack:
- Chest pain;
- Chest discomfort;
- Feeling weak;
- Feeling lightheaded;
- Pain in the jaw;
- Pain in the neck;
- Pain in the back;
- Pain in one or both arms;
- Pain in one or both shoulders; and
- Shortness of breath.
While these symptoms can appear with other medical conditions, a doctor can determine whether you are having a heart attack and can properly diagnose you and ensure that you receive appropriate care.
Filing a Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack Claim in Chicago
Under Illinois law, most medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the healthcare provider’s negligence. In some misdiagnosis claims, however, including failure to diagnose a heart attack or myocardial infarction, a patient may have additional time to file a claim.
When a proper diagnosis is delayed due to a healthcare provider’s error, the patient may have two years from the date that she or he discovers the doctor’s original failure to diagnose a heart attack, which often gives that patient more time than she would have if the claim had to be filed within two years from the time of the doctor’s error.
Contact Our Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys to File a Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack Lawsuit
If you or someone you love was misdiagnosed, and a physician or specialist failed to diagnose a heart attack or myocardial infarction, you could be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. One of our Chicago diagnostic error lawyers can speak with you today about your case. Contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC to learn more about how we can assist you with a medical malpractice lawsuit.
