What to do if a hospital never bothered to look at my previous heart tests and performed an unnecessary angioplasty?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if a hospital never bothered to look at my previous heart tests and performed an unnecessary angioplasty?

I was recently on vacation when I experienced chest pain that nitro glycerin would not alleviate. I called the ambulance and was treated in the ER. Tests at that time showed no evidence of an emergent problem. I was admitted to the hospital for further tests 24 hours later on Monday, when the hospital imaging departments were open. I told the doctors repeatedly that my previous echo-cardiograms and stress tests were available online via the Vanderbilt web portal that I have access to. I also gave the doctors and nurses my cardiologist’s contact info.

Asked on May 16, 2013 under Malpractice Law, Tennessee

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

You may have a malpractice case, since from what you write, it may have been negligent, or careless, to not have reviewed the prior tests (at least, if reviewing said tests would have caused them to not perform the surgery). If this was malpractice, you could potentially recover your out-of-pocket (not picked up by insurance) medical costs; any lost wages, if you missed work; and potentially pain and suffering, IF you suffering any moderately long-lasting  diminution of quality of life due to the surgery. If you did suffer pain & disability or incur a large economic loss of some kind, it would be worthwhile to consult with a malpractice attorney to explore whether you have a claim and what it might be worth.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption