Acute myocardial infarction, the medical term for heart attack, is among the leading causes of death worldwide.
In Florida, it is a major health concern, with around 18 out of 100,000 people dying from it every year.
When a heart attack occurs, every minute counts in saving the patient's life.
Any delays in treatment can have devastating consequences, such as severe health complications or even death, which may be considered medical negligence.
Risks of Delayed Treatment in Heart Attack Cases
Hospitals, medical facilities, and healthcare professionals have the responsibility to protect patients from further harm, injuries, and death. In cases involving heart attacks, they must treat patients urgently and promptly. Timing is highly crucial in treating heart attack cases. Otherwise, it may only result in the following:
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Patients may also suffer disruptions in their heart's electrical system during heart attacks. When arrhythmias become severe and persistent, they may lead to disability.
- Cardiac arrest: The heart may stop beating altogether without any timely treatment, potentially leading to death. It also puts patients at greater risk of disability or other long-term complications.
- Heart damage: The longer the treatment is delayed, the more damage to heart muscles and heart cells can occur. Research shows that heart attacks can cause permanent heart damage in just 30 minutes, and without medical treatment, the damage may become irreversible.
- Lower chances of survival: Every minute without treatment, the chances of survival decrease.
- Death: Any failure of a timely medical intervention may also result in a loss of life. For every 30-minute delay in treatment, the patient faces a significant increase in mortality risk.
Delayed Treatments: Factors that Can Be Considered Medical Malpractice
When healthcare providers fail to provide timely treatment for heart attacks, they risk facing legal consequences, such as medical malpractice lawsuits. Some of the factors that may contribute to delayed treatments, and be considered medical malpractice, include:
- Failure to order the proper tests right away
- Failure to refer to more capable specialists, clinics, or hospitals
- Failure to properly triage
- Delays in transport
- Misdiagnosis
- Misinterpreting test results
- Communication breakdown
The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Is Here to Help Every Step of the Way
Patients have the right to proper and timely medical care, particularly in urgent cases like heart attacks, where every second matters. However, that is not always the case. Especially in places like Florida, medical mistakes remain a common problem that harms both the healthcare system and patients.
When you or a loved one has suffered physically, emotionally, and even financially due to medical malpractice, you may pursue legal action, and The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary can help. With over 20 years of experience, our team of lawyers can provide legal support in these difficult times.