Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Illinois

Murmur

A 66 year old patient was admitted and had a TKR, no cardiac prescreening completed....2 days later had massive MI and died. The early morning hours on the day he passed a nurse noted a Heart murmur....the patient never had a murmur prior....The nurse did not document any assessment on the murmur other than murmur noted...Did not notify the doctor for further evaluation.....Does this wife have a case for medmal?


Asked on 2/28/08, 12:47 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Matthew Willens Willens Law Offices, P.C.

Re: Murmur

It sounds like this case warrants an investigation. A review of the records by a physician is the only sure way to know.

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Answered on 2/28/08, 12:56 pm
Matthew Willens Willens Law Offices, P.C.

Re: Murmur

It sounds like this case warrants an investigation. A review of the records by a physician is the only sure way to know.

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Answered on 2/28/08, 12:56 pm
Matt Belcher Belcher Law Office

Re: Murmur

Possibly.

First let me say that I am very sorry for your loss. This is always a difficult time, especially when the passing is so sudden.

You should know that if a medical provider fails to treat - or diagnosis a condition - then they can be held liable for the damages.

I have had several cases where a hospital or doctor have failed to catch a cardiac blockage or a pulmonary embolism that resulted in death.

The issues are whether the medical provider breached the standard of care and if an injury was caused.

A medical malpractice claim is always a case-by-case analysis, which must include all of the relevant medical records of the patient.

I think you should immediately go to the hospital, and the doctors, and obtain the complete medical records.

Once you have the records, you should contact an experienced lawyer who can actually read and review the records to more completely answer your question.

The records will then be reviewed by a medical expert and a lawsuit can be filed if it is warranted.

Good luck,

Matt Belcher

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Answered on 2/28/08, 12:59 pm
Mary J. Hoeller, R.N., J.D. Attorney At Law

Re: Murmur

The wife needs to consult with an experienced malpractice attorney. There are many factors involved in these cases. I am a nurse attorney and would be glad to have the consult.

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Answered on 2/28/08, 1:11 pm


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