Medical malpractice is a serious event that could change the course of yours or a loved one’s life. Doctors are highly trusted and valued, but sometimes mistakes happen. You shouldn’t have to suffer for those mistakes. Failure to diagnose something such as myocarditis can lead to heart failure or even sudden death. If this has happened to you, here’s everything you need to know about myocarditis, and what to do if you’ll need New Mexico medical malpractice attorneys.
What is Myocarditis?
So what is it exactly, and why can it be so deadly? Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle. It can affect the heart muscle and its electrical system, which causes the heart to beat rapidly or abnormally (arrhythmias). There are a few ways one can develop myocarditis. The most common way is through a viral infection. It can also be caused by a drug, or a general inflammation condition.
What Are The Symptoms?
Mild cases can be harder to diagnose, as symptoms aren’t that prominent. The symptoms are usually just shortness of breath or chest pains. More severe cases vary depending on the stage of the disease but usually include the following:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
- Swelling of the ankles and fluid retention
- Other signs of typical viral infections such as diarrhea, body aches, or a fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially rapid or abnormal heartbeat, contact your doctor. If you’ve recently had a viral infection, keep an eye out for these symptoms. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
What is the Treatment?
The good news is that myocarditis usually clears itself up or can be cured with treatment. Most people who are recovering from it will need to take a break from strenuous activities and exercise for a few months. Those who had a more severe case will need some kinds of drugs, such as beta-blockers or diuretics. Thankfully, myocarditis research can give insight into new treatments and possible ways of preventing it altogether.
What is a Medical Malpractice Case?
If you or a family member with myocarditis was misdiagnosed by a doctor, then you should consider filing a malpractice suit. Malpractice occurs when a medical provider fails to adhere to the “standard of care” in the treatment of a patient. Basically it boils down to negligence. Here’s what you need to know about filing a malpractice suit.
Proof
In order to prove malpractice occurred, there are a few things that will need to be shown. Patients must show that they were under the care of the health care provider. There needs to be proof that the doctor did not follow the “standard of care” and breached the duty owed to the patient. Lastly, the proof of injury or damage to the patient will also need to be shown. If all of these things can be provided, then you should consider suing.
Process
The process of proving a malpractice case can be a bit harder than other types of cases. The testimony of a medical expert who can claim that the medical provider fell below the standard of care, resulting in injury to the patient, is usually required. These types of cases can be hard to win in front of a jury. Some states are even limiting malpractice cases, claiming they lead to more expensive care; however, there is no evidence to back this up.
There are many reasons that people go forward with suing, and it’s rarely for revenge. When a serious disease goes undiagnosed, it can lead to wrongful death, leaving a family behind to pick up the broken pieces. Most people want to hold negligent doctors accountable and seek justice for family members. Doing so can help stop these doctors from harming others.
