On behalf of Hastings Law Firm posted in Hospital Negligence on Saturday, December 27, 2014.

The emergency room is meant to be one of the safest and most important places for those who are suffering from a serious medical emergency. However, one Texas family claims that an emergency room dropped the ball when treating their loved one. Due to the alleged hospital negligence that they say occurred, a woman suffered a fatal heart attack that may have been treatable.

The 49-year-old victim showed up at the emergency room experiencing trouble breathing and chest pains. Although she was triaged and given an EKG that showed she was likely suffering from a heart attack, she was simply sent back to sit in the waiting room. In addition to other medical ailments that her family has pointed out, including fatigue and hypertension, they believe that her condition required closer attention to detail.

The victim later fell unconscious while still waiting with other emergency room visitors, and the emergency room staff finally realized the gravity of the situation. Upon administering treatment, she was allegedly given an improper medication for heart attacks. Her family believes that if the attending physician had actually examined the patient or consulted with the cardiologist, their loved one’s untimely death may have been avoided.

From a young age, most people are taught that the hospital is the safest place to be in an emergency. Unfortunately, when hospital negligence occurs, what is meant to be a safe and caring environment can quickly turn tragic. Texas families are not without options when a loved one is the victim of medical malpractice. For instance, this woman’s family is seeking compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Although the amount has not been disclosed, claimed damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical costs, funeral costs and other emotional and financial issues that they must now deal with.

Source: louisianarecord.com, “Family of woman who died at hospital due to heart attack suing for medical malpractice”, Kyle Barnett, Dec. 18, 2014