Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
refused a dr. appointment
I was told to see a cardiologist by my regular doctor. When I called to make an appointment, I was told May 1, 2002. On April 17 I did not feel well at all and called the cardiologist's office hoping they would see me that day. The ''phone nurse'' told me ''You are scheduled for May 1 with dr. _______ and there is no way I could be seen sooner. She suggested going to the emergency room if need be. I felt that the discomfort was not an emergency so I played along with the May 1 appointment. Earily the next morning (3:30) my wife rushed me to the hospital with severe chest pains. The doctor in the ER told me I had had a heart attack. Would I have any legal recourse because of the fact that the cardiolgist refused to see me the day before since I called for help?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: refused a dr. appointment
I would agree with both responses.
The nurse probably met the standard of care.
The proper instructions would be to tell someone
who believes they have a medical emergency to go
to an emergency room. While her instructions
have been stronger, I don't think a jury could be
convinced that she was liable.
If there is any liability it would be more likely
with the primary care doctor, depending on the
timing between the visit and the incident, and
what transpired at that visit.
Your local attorney would be best placed to sort
this out.
Re: refused a dr. appointment
It is not a simple question, however, if you were advised to go to the E.R. you probably have no recourse
Response to Inquiry about refusal to arrange appointment
4/30/02 12:40 PM
DEAR SIR: The information related to your inquiry of this morning indicates that it was generated in the Bethlehem area. If that is indeed accurate, I would strongly recommend that you contact the Lawyer Referral Service of the Northampton County Bar Association. You should find out if any attorney is willing to consult with you and explain your rights concerning establishing liability, causation, and damages so that you can determine whether you and your family wish to undertake a medical malpractice action. Our law firm, for example, just last week met [for nearly four hours] with a widow, son, and brother-in-law concerning a man in his 40's who told his "family practitioner" that he felt like "he had been hit by a Mack Truck." No cardiac examination or referral was made. A few days later he was dead of a massive heart attack.
Best wishes to you and your family in whatever you decide to do.
DAVE LUBIN
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