You went to the hospital for help. You described the symptoms, trusted the doctors, and expected answers. But instead of getting life-saving treatment, you or your loved one was sent home or kept waiting, only to suffer the consequences of a misdiagnosed or delayed heart attack.
At Poulos & Coates, we understand how devastating these moments can be. Heart attacks are medical emergencies that require fast, accurate intervention. When a healthcare provider fails to diagnose or adequately respond to a heart attack, the outcome can be catastrophic. When that happens, you need a Deming heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer.
With over 100 years of combined experience and over $500 million recovered for clients across New Mexico, we know how to hold medical professionals accountable. Read on to learn more about liability for a heart attack misdiagnosis, possible recoverable compensation, and how long you have to file a heart attack misdiagnosis lawsuit.
Understanding the Differences Between Types of Diagnostic Errors
Understanding the type of diagnostic error that occurred is essential when evaluating a potential malpractice claim. Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and failure to diagnose refer to different examples of medical negligence. Each may form the basis of a legal claim if it results in preventable injury or death.
| Type of Diagnostic Negligence | What It Means | Typical Consequences | Common Examples |
| Heart Attack Misdiagnosis | The provider identifies an incorrect medical condition (e.g., diagnosing the symptoms as something else). | Delayed or incorrect treatment, leading to worsening symptoms or cardiac damage. | Diagnosing chest pain as indigestion, anxiety, or musculoskeletal pain. |
| Delayed Diagnosis of Heart Attack | The provider eventually diagnoses the heart attack, but not in time to prevent harm. | Treatment begins too late, resulting in more severe complications or a reduced chance of survival. | Ordering tests too late or misreading early signs before correctly diagnosing the condition. |
| Failure to Diagnose a Heart Attack | The provider misses the heart attack completely and fails to diagnose any condition. | No treatment is provided, potentially leading to severe injury or death. | Sending a patient home without testing or attributing symptoms to fatigue or stress without further investigation. |
No matter which type of error occurred, you may have the right to seek accountability. A Deming heart attack misdiagnosis lawyer at Poulos & Coates can help you understand what went wrong and whether you have a case worth pursuing.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If negligence contributed to the harm, a malpractice claim may help you recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the event has taken. Damages in a heart attack misdiagnosis case may include:
- Medical expenses (both ongoing and future expenses);
- Lost income;
- Reduced earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Reduced quality of life;
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Loss of companionship; and
- Other out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation for treatment, medical equipment, or necessary home modifications.
Under New Mexico law, the amount you can recover in a medical malpractice case is subject to limits, depending on the person or entity against whom the claim is brought. However, there is no cap on compensation for past and future medical care and related benefits.
At Poulos & Coates, our team works closely with medical experts and financial professionals to fully assess the impact of provider errors and fight to help ensure the final result reflects the actual cost of what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to learn more about common heart attack misdiagnosis questions.
What Is a Typical Settlement for Misdiagnosis of a Heart Attack?
There is no standard settlement amount for a heart attack delayed diagnosis case. Each situation is different and depends on factors like the severity of the harm, the cost of medical care, whether the patient survived, and how the mistake impacted the individual’s life. A settlement for a misdiagnosis of a heart attack may cover short-term complications, while others involve lifelong care or wrongful death. An attorney at Poulos & Coates can evaluate your circumstances and help you understand what compensation may be appropriate in your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawsuit?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the malpractice to file a lawsuit in New Mexico. Absent certain exceptions, you may be barred from recovery if you fail to file by the deadline.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Deming Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer?
At Poulos & Coates, there is no cost to speak with us or out-of-pocket fees at any stage of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict.
How Do I Prove a Heart Attack Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis Claim?
To succeed in a malpractice claim, you must show that the provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused harm. Specifically, you must establish:
- A provider-patient relationship existed;
- The provider was negligent in diagnosing or treating the heart attack;
- That negligence directly led to injury or worsened the outcome; and
- You suffered damages.
At Poulos & Coates, we build every case with support from our in-house medical team. We review your records, consult experts, and gather the evidence to prove what went wrong and why it matters.
Talk to a Deming Medical Malpractice Attorney About Your Case
When a serious medical mistake changes your life, you need a team that understands the law and can build a case rooted in medical insight and legal experience.
At Poulos & Coates, medical malpractice is all we do. We’re not a general personal injury firm. We focus exclusively on representing victims of medical negligence. Our team includes experienced trial attorneys, one of whom is also a medical doctor, and licensed nurses who work together on every case to uncover the truth and fight for the outcome you deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered because of a heart attack misdiagnosis, don’t wait to get the answers and support you need. Contact Poulos & Coates today at 575-523-4444 to schedule a free consultation. Remember, you’ll pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.