Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
Heart attacks are one of the most common causes of disability and death in the U.S. If the signs are misdiagnosed or treatment is delayed, medical malpractice may be to blame.
If you or a loved one have suffered the consequences, our Utah heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers are determined to hold responsible parties accountable.
Essential Information About Heart Attacks and Misdiagnosis
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a serious medical event in which blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked by a blood clot. The heart muscles will begin to die due to a lack of oxygen if blood flow is not restored quickly. More than 800,000 Americans suffer heart attacks each year, and they were the cause of one in five deaths nationally in 2021. It is abundantly clear how serious proper and timely diagnosis and treatment are for a patient’s well-being.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional’s negligent actions or omissions result in substandard care that causes injury to a patient. The term encompasses misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, failure to diagnose, providing improper treatment, improper administration of medications, and more. In cases where every second counts, as with heart attacks, negligence is especially grave.
Why You Need a Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a heart attack that was misdiagnosed, you need a malpractice attorney in your corner for the simple fact that medicine and medical malpractice law are both incredibly complex areas for a layperson to navigate. Instead of going up against a hospital or insurance company on your own, let our proven team take the legal pressures off your plate so you can focus on recovery.
Our attorneys are ready to determine whether you have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit during a complimentary consultation at our Salt Lake City injury law office.
Misdiagnosed Heart Attacks Carry Grave Consequences
Medical professionals are trained to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, but even experts are fallible, and many heart attacks are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. The consequences can be severe, even fatal. If you or a loved one suffered a heart attack that was missed by a medical professional, contact our medical malpractice attorneys in Salt Lake City for help securing the damages you need to recover and move forward.
"We are very grateful to them." We Thank Our Clients for Their Trust
Jenafer Meeks
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
When our Mother passed away, we had no idea what would go into a malpractice lawsuit. Ashton and John were very skilled and handled every detail for us. Walking us through nearly 8 years of the court system. I was even more impressed with the knowledge they led with when we went to trial. This process was long and emotionally hard to deal with. We never would have gotten the justice our Mother deserved had it not been for Younker, Hyde MacFarlane. We are very grateful to them.
View on Googlesheri morris
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
The professionals at Younker Hyde Macfarlane recently helped my family find some resolution around the loss of our father. We felt heard and supported, and were pleased with the outcome of our case. Specifically, Brittney Bohne, the paralegal assigned to us, was so gracious and responsive whenever we had any question or concerns. It was so nice to know we were not alone.
View on GoogleProving Malpractice
Proving negligence on the part of a medical professional or healthcare provider can be complex. These four key points must be established in order to file a claim:
1. Doctor-Patient Relationship
The medical professional owed you a duty of care because they agreed to treat you or did treat you.
2. Breached Duty of Care
The care or lack of care you received from the professional was below the standard required of the situation.
3. Negligence Resulted in Injury
The negligent care or lack of care resulted in injury or the worsening of your condition.
4. Injury Resulted in Damages
The injuries you suffered led to compensable losses, such as medical bills and lost wages.
Documentation Is Crucial
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What’s most important for our clients to know is that documented evidence can make or break a malpractice case. If you are considering taking legal action for a misdiagnosed heart attack, we strongly urge you to preserve all documentation relating to the incident, including but not limited to medical test results, medical bills, intake and discharge forms, consent forms, and insurance documents. Our attorneys can help you gather and preserve the records you need to build a strong case.
What Malpractice Can Look Like In the Case of a Misdiagnosed Heart Attack
Most patients suffering from heart attacks present with common symptoms (chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, etc.) to the emergency room or a family doctor. These professionals are trained to detect signs of heart attack and act quickly enough to minimize muscle damage. The following are select examples of malpractice as it pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks:
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Failure to recognize heart attack symptoms
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Incorrect diagnosis (e.g. acid reflux instead of heart attack)
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Misinterpretation of electrocardiogram (EKG) or blood test results
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Failure to order EKG or blood testing
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Failure to provide timely and appropriate care
Do You Have a Case? Request a Free Consultation With Our Attorneys
The paperwork, medical terminology, and legal intricacies involved with filing a heart attack misdiagnosis lawsuit make it incredibly difficult for an individual to do so on their own. Even determining whether you have a legitimate malpractice claim to begin with can be a challenge. The attorneys at our Salt Lake City, UT, law office want to make this process easier for you.
During a free consultation, we will listen to your story, review documentation, and help you determine the best steps to move forward. If we do take your case, the only compensation we receive will be in the case of a successful award or settlement.
To request your free consultation, write us an online message or give our law firm a call at:
(801) 335-6467
Salt Lake City Attorneys Who Are Determined to Help Clients Achieve Justice
Ricky harris
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
This group is very kind and had reached out to me about a med mal/neglect case on my sis in another state. I currently have another lawyer but am going to go with this team due to the circumstances of my case and the knowledge this team seems to have is unbeatable. I cant wait have real justice served!
View on GoogleDebi Hooker
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
John MacFarlane at Younker Hyde MacFarlane handled my medical malpractice case from 3/2022 - 12/2023. John and his team made the process stress-free for me during a difficult and stressful time. They communicated with me along the way, were always available to answer my questions and negotiated my settlement higher than I expected & in a reasonable amount of time. I highly recommend John and the entire team at YHM!
View on GoogleWho Can Be Held Liable?
Doctors may misdiagnose heart symptoms or fail to order proper testing for a heart attack.
Nurses may incorrectly dose medication or fail to adequately monitor a patient's symptoms.
Even heart specialists like cardiologists can be prone to error in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
Lab technicians may incorrectly handle samples, mislabel items, or make other serious mistakes.
Put Fearless Attorneys in Your Corner
Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC has a reputation for never backing down, even when up against big insurance companies and hospital systems. We believe that malpractice is a gravely serious matter and an all-too-common issue that impacts the lives of regular people throughout Utah. Our job is to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve in the aftermath of a misdiagnosed heart attack.
Please contact our Salt Lake City law office, serving all of Utah, for a complimentary review of your case.
(801) 335-6467
"Younker Hyde Macfarlane made me feel like family." Practicing With Compassion and Respect for Utah Clients
Gilbert Cisneros
Salt Lake City, UT
2023
Younker Hyde Macfarlane made it easier to navigate a difficult time in my life. They were professional and attentive to any questions that I had. McKay Corbett was the attorney that I primarily worked with. He explained things in a way that I could easily understand and was very personable. Younker Hyde Macfarlane made me feel like family and that I was being taken care of.
View on GoogleRicky harris
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
This group is very kind and had reached out to me about a med mal/neglect case on my sis in another state. I currently have another lawyer but am going to go with this team due to the circumstances of my case and the knowledge this team seems to have is unbeatable. I cant wait have real justice served!
View on GoogleSigns and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Medical professionals are trained to recognize these common signs of heart distress. If missed, the presenting patient can face severe consequences, including cardiac arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, or death.
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Chest pain
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Shoulder pain
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Jaw pain
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Neck pain
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweats
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Nausea
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Light-headedness
Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Is a Greater Risk for Women
The symptoms of heart attack and heart disease can present differently in women than in men. Many women experience back pain, shortness of breath, and nausea more so than chest pain, and it's not uncommon for women to report not feeling heard or having their concerns improperly addressed by medical professionals.
Though doctors should be trained to recognize the signs of heart trouble in women and respond appropriately, a recent report from USA Today paints a different picture: just over half of cardiologists and physicians say they feel prepared to diagnose a heart attack in a woman.
There are no excuses for misdiagnosis or the failure to diagnose a heart attack. Bias and improper training disproportionately impact women who rely on our healthcare system, but our attorneys in Utah are determined to stand up for those who have failed to receive the proper standard of care.
Don’t Waste a Single Day Contact Our Attorneys Right Away
When facing a medical system not designed to the advantage of everyday people, it's all the more important to secure strong representation as soon as you possibly can. Every day matters in a heart attack misdiagnosis malpractice case, and your choice to call Younker Hyde Macfarlane today can make all the difference.
If our Salt Lake City attorneys take your case, they will immediately begin preparing a strong suit in your favor based on expert testimony and our collective decades of experience in malpractice and personal injury law. Get in touch with our team right now.
(801) 335-6467
Standing Strong With Utah Families "Amazing, warm and professional team"
Sonya Ravitch
Salt Lake City, UT
2023
John Mcfarlane believes in fighting for what is right. I can’t thank this firm enough for the amazing work they’ve done, standing by my side for 7 years until justice was served. Amazing, warm and professional team that I highly recommend!
View on GoogleAjazya Barbosa
Salt Lake City, UT
2023
I would highly recommend this firm to anyone. They were extremely helpful from the beginning till the end. We felt well taken care of. My daughter will have better life quality thanks to your help! Thank God.
View on GoogleFailure to Diagnose Acute Coronary Syndrome A Treatable Condition Missed Far Too Often
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect blood flow to the heart, including angina (chest pain), heart attack, and stroke. Early detection of ACS can save a patient from its life-threatening consequences, but as with heart attacks, it is commonly misdiagnosed as heartburn.
If a doctor misinterprets or fails to order an EKG or angiogram, key problem signs like irregular heartbeat, blockage, and narrowed arteries can be missed. This puts the patient at risk of not getting timely treatment to prevent a serious cardiac event in the future.
When Medical Errors Prove Fatal Our Team Can Stand by Your Side
If heart attack misdiagnosis or another medical error cost your loved one their life, you have our sincere condolences. Medical negligence can have an absolutely devastating impact on both injured patients and those who love them most. Though it will never replace the person you lost, you do have an opportunity to recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Under Utah law, a deceased person's spouse, parents, or surviving heirs can file a wrongful death suit if their loved one succumbed to injuries suffered as a result of negligence. Similarly to medical malpractice, you have two years to file from the date of death, but this time can pass quickly as you grieve and make efforts to move forward. Our attorneys based in Salt Lake City are prepared to alleviate some of this burden by handling your wrongful death claim.
