You trusted a doctor to recognize the signs of a heart attack. You did everything right. Your doctor saw you, and you described your symptoms. But instead of getting the care you needed, you or your loved one were sent home or were diagnosed with something else. Now everything has changed.
A missed or delayed heart attack diagnosis can be a life-altering failure that leads to permanent damage or loss. If this happened to you or someone you care about, you’re likely left wondering what went wrong and whether it could have been prevented.
At Poulos & Coates, we understand the devastation of medical negligence. Our law firm is focused exclusively on medical malpractice, so we are uniquely equipped to help you pursue justice. Our legal team includes seasoned attorneys, a medical doctor, and nurses who work together to uncover the truth and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Let us help you get answers. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an Alamogordo heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer.
How Does a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Occur?
Heart attack misdiagnosis happens when a healthcare provider assigns the wrong diagnosis to a patient who is experiencing a heart attack. In other words, the provider recognizes that something is wrong but incorrectly identifies the condition. As a result, the patient does not receive the urgent treatment their situation requires.
This incorrect treatment often occurs when heart attack symptoms are mistaken for less serious conditions, such as:
- Acid reflux or indigestion,
- Anxiety or panic attacks,
- Musculoskeletal pain, or
- Respiratory issues like asthma or bronchitis.
Because symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath can mimic other illnesses, providers must carefully evaluate each patient and rule out cardiac causes when appropriate. When they fail to do so and the patient suffers further harm, it may amount to medical malpractice.
What Is a Heart Attack Delayed Diagnosis?
A delayed heart attack diagnosis occurs when the provider identifies a heart attack after a critical period has passed. Even a short delay in treatment can dramatically reduce a patient’s chances of recovery.
Common causes of delay include:
- Waiting too long to order tests or imaging;
- Misinterpreting early results, such as an inconclusive EKG;
- Inadequate triage procedures; and
- Failing to recognize evolving symptoms in real-time.
The heart muscle may sustain additional, irreversible damage with every minute that passes. If a delayed diagnosis results in a worse outcome for the patient, it may be grounds for a malpractice claim.
How to Prove a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuit
To succeed in a heart attack misdiagnosis claim, you must show that the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the standard of care and directly caused harm. In New Mexico, this requires proving the following elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed. The provider had a duty to treat you or your loved one.
- The provider breached the standard of care. The provider failed to act as a reasonably competent provider would under similar circumstances.
- The breach caused injury or worsened your condition. The misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis led to preventable harm.
- You suffered damages. These damages could include physical injury, emotional suffering, lost income, or financial losses.
Building this kind of case often involves medical records analysis, expert testimony, and a legal strategy tailored to the specific facts. Our team has the tools and experience to handle each step with care and precision.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Misdiagnosis?
Determining who is responsible for a heart attack misdiagnosis depends on where and how the error occurred. Multiple parties may be held accountable under New Mexico law, including:
- Emergency room physicians,
- Primary care doctors,
- Cardiologists or other specialists,
- Nurses and triage staff,
- Urgent care clinics, and
- Hospitals and healthcare systems.
An Alamogordo heart attack misdiagnosis attorney at Poulos & Coates can help you identify all potentially liable parties and take appropriate legal action.
How Long Do I Have to File a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuit in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a strict statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of injury or misdiagnosis to file a lawsuit. For minors and incapacitated individuals, the deadline starts one year after the minor reaches the age of majority and after the individual regains capacity, respectively.
If you’re wondering how long you have to file a heart attack misdiagnosis lawsuit, it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to seek justice. At Poulos & Coates, we can evaluate your situation and determine whether you still have time to pursue legal action.
How Much Can I Get in a Settlement for Misdiagnosis of a Heart Attack?
There is no fixed or guaranteed amount for a settlement of a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis case. Each case is unique, and the value of a potential settlement depends on the specific facts.
Courts and insurance companies consider many factors when determining compensation, including:
- The severity of the injury,
- The cost of medical care,
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Extent of negligence, and
- Whether the case involves wrongful death.
An Alamogordo heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer at Poulos & Coates can review your case and assess the relevant factors that affect a possible settlement. We fight to make sure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
Our Alamogordo Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a misdiagnosed or delayed heart attack, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, but legal help is available.
At Poulos & Coates, our team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case and more than $500 million in recoveries for clients across New Mexico. We’re prepared to uncover what went wrong and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve the Alamogordo community. There is no cost to meet with us, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Poulos & Coates today at 575-523-4444 to schedule your free consultation.