Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog
Earlier this month, a Baltimore County, Maryland jury awarded $4 million as the result of the alleged wrongful death of a 28 year-old man whose heart disease went undiagnosed. The man was referred by his primary care physician to a cardiologist due to constant chest pain that had been ongoing for more than a year. The cardiologist in March of 2012 diagnosed him with “atypical chest pain” and sent him on his way without conducting any further studies, according to the lawsuit.
The family alleged that the standard of acceptable medical care required that when the man presented with chest pain, a standard stress test be administered to evaluate for cardiovascular disease. He returned in April for an echocardiogram and at that time still was experiencing ongoing chest pain. The man died of a heart attack in July. A subsequent autopsy concluded that the cause of death was cardiovascular disease.
The jury’s award included $3.75 million for non-economic damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress suffered as the result of the loss of a loved one. That amount will be reduced to $887,500 under Maryland’s cap on such damages. The award also included $162,00 for lost household services to the man’s seven year-old child and $9,000 for the cost of his funeral. If you or a loved one were the victim of a medical mistake, call our experienced medical malpractice lawyers for a free consultation at 410-385-2225.