Sometimes doctors make the wrong diagnosis or don’t fully treat a patient. This can lead to deadly complications as it did for on New Jersey man, whose estate has not been awarded over $1 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The man died in 2004 and last month a jury decided in favor of his estate.
The man visited the South Jersey Healthcare-Regional Medical Center in September 2004, where he complained of shortness of breath and chest pains. The doctor did an exam in the emergency room and determined the problem was a virus. The man was sent home without any medication to treat the problem. His symptoms quickly intensified.
Fearing his death, he drew up a will and signed the document, naming his friend the executor of the estate, who eventually filed suit against the doctor for medical malpractice. The victim’s girlfriend called 911 the next day just before he collapsed. The man was pronounced dead when he arrived to the hospital. The cause of his death was not a virus, but instead was a pulmonary embolism, something the New jersey Doctor failed to diagnose.
Sometimes doctors do not carefully diagnose their patients, and send them home before a full and complete exam is done. This can be a dangerous and sometimes deadly situation. People should understand that they have rights if they or their loved ones are ever injured or killed as a result of a doctor’s misdiagnosis or medical malpractice. A personal injury attorney can help someone understand their rights.
Source: The News of Cumberland County, “Vineland man’s estate awarded $1.065 M in malpractice case,” Jason Laday, Jan. 31, 2012
