A couple of months ago my husband passed away after suffering a major heart attack. My husband was an avid jogger, ate right and had no outward indications that anything was wrong, so the attack was totally unexpected. Also, our doctor never said that my husband was in any danger from his heart. Since then, I've had another doctor look at my husband's lab records (which my husband and I requested before his death) and the doctor said the results indicated that my husband's cholesterol numbers were high and should have been treated with medication.
I truly believe my husband's heart attack was preventable? Can I sue the first doctor or the hospital for malpractice?
Answer:
From the facts you've asserted, it seems that your doctor failed to diagnose your husband's heart condition. Failure to diagnose is one of the major reasons that malpractice claims are brought. As hospitals and the health care personnel employed with them are held to a reasonable and acceptable standard of care in treating a patient, when this standard is violated, both hospital and doctor are often held liable for the medical malpractice. It is generally known that bad cholesterol levels are an indication that the heart is at risk, and this is something your doctor should have expressed to your husband. The doctor should have then given your husband information on the types of treatment and medication needed to bring his cholesterol into check, to prevent any further damage to his heart. Since this was not done, you may have a good case of malpractice and you should consult with an experienced attorney to determine your rights as well as the hospital's liability.
Talk to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer to find out what legal options you have, and what you can do to get civil justice.
Good luck.
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Posted by Sharon Cullars on 05 May 2010