Minneapolis Heart Attack Error Lawyers
A heart attack is perhaps the most serious medical episode a person can endure. Treatment errors, which are outlined below, make these incidents much more difficult to handle. As they struggle to recover physically and emotionally, many victims and survivors must all deal with significant financial stress. The medical bills in these cases are often overwhelming. On top of everything else, insurance adjusters seemingly call constantly, demanding a settlement. It’s often tempting to take the money and move on. But victims and survivors simply don’t know if the offer is fair.
The dedicated Minneapolis heart attack error lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman immediately start making things better. We quickly connect victims with top-notch medical providers who reverse the damage caused by the errant treatment and start the complete healing process. Next, we begin building a strong, evidenced-based claim that establishes key elements of your case and refutes common insurance company defenses. Finally, we stand up for your legal and financial rights, both around the negotiating table and in court.
What Causes Heart Attack Errors?
Medical mistakes in this area usually occur during the diagnosis process or once treatment begins.
Although heart attacks are rather common, misdiagnosis issues abound. Many doctors believe that unless the patient had clear risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease and/or lifestyle red flags, such as obesity or smoking, a heart attack was probably a false alarm. This false alarm could be almost anything, from indigestion to acid reflux to a panic attack.
Heart attack misdiagnosis means the damaged heart is untreated. Therefore, the damage gets worse. Subsequent treatment errors, which are usually independent of misdiagnosis issues, often include overly aggressive treatment, overly mild treatment, and medication allergies.
Many heart attack victims need surgery. Generally, however, this aggressive treatment choice is a last resort. Largely because of possible surgical complications, the procedure could do more harm than good. Other times, the opposite issue is a problem. Doctors are so conservative that the damaged heart is not sufficiently repaired. A quick file review and patient consultation could avoid most medicine allergy problems. But many doctors are so busy, or so uncaring, that they simply go through the motions in these areas.
Damages Available
For the most part, damages in a civil case are a lot different from fines in a criminal case. Criminal court fines punish defendants. But civil court damages usually are not punitive. In fact, most out-of-court settlements do not even include an admission of liability. Instead, damages in a civil case compensate victims and survivors.
As mentioned, these families often have sky-high medical bills. Other economic losses include lost wages, which is often lost work productivity, and property damage. Victims and survivors should not have to pay these expenses out of their own pockets. If Sam forgets to water his neighbor’s plants as agreed, Sam must pay to replace the plants. If Dr. Sam makes a medical mistake during his neighbor’s heart attack treatment, he must pay compensation, per Minnesota law.
Compensation is also available for intangible losses, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment in life. It’s very difficult to put a dollar figure on such losses. So, Minneapolis heart attack error lawyers often partner with psychologists and other outside professionals in this area.
We stated that damages in a civil claim are “usually” unlike fines in a criminal case. Punitive damages, which are usually available in medical negligence cases, are the major exception. These damages punish tortfeasors (negligent parties) and deter future wrongdoing.
Count On a Compassionate Hennepin County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced heart attack error lawyer in Minneapolis, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman LLC by going online or calling 410-567-0800. Attorneys can connect victims with top-notch doctors, even if they have no insurance or money.
