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Heart Surgery Related Negligence: Do You Have a Case?


According to the Centers for Disease Control, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for American citizens. Many patients suffering from heart disease require surgery: These procedures can be risky, but they can also save lives. Regardless of the type of heart surgery undertaken, there is always a chance for something to go wrong.

When a patient suspects that a medical complication, a worsening of a condition, or even the death of a loved one was caused by a failure on a physician or surgeon’s part, he or she may consider contacting a lawyer and opening a malpractice case.

Here’s what you need to know if you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered from heart surgery related negligence — and what you need to do if you plan to take legal action. 

Examples of Medical Negligence 

Defining medical negligence, and specifically heart surgery related negligence, is at the heart of cases that involve mistakes on the medical team’s part or missed steps in a medical procedure before the surgery took place. There are scenarios in which something bad happens to the patient that is not the medical team’s fault and therefore no case.

Medical negligence can be defined as when a member of the medical team, either knowingly or unknowingly, did not provide the patient with the appropriate standard of care treatment. He or she could have misdiagnosed the patient, refused to offer proper treatment, performed a negligent surgery, or failed to recognize signs of infection after the surgery. 

When Would a Patient or Patient’s Family Have a Case?

Unfortunately, a worst-case scenario for the patient or his or her family doesn’t necessarily mean that medical malpractice or negligence has occurred. Often, the situation is not clear-cut, which is why it’s important to have a legal team assess your case. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is appropriate when the patient or the patient’s family has clearly documented evidence of the medical team’s wrongdoing. In North Carolina before a suit can be filed, the attorney must certify that an expert witness physician is prepared to testify that there was negligence.

It’s also important to remember that if your family member has passed away due to medical malpractice, winning a lawsuit may not ease your suffering, but it can help pay the bills and the funeral expenses that may land in your lap afterward.

Work With The Best Medical Negligence Attorneys 

If we decide to undertake a medical negligence claim, we will evaluate the case with attention to detail and respect for our clients. If you have more questions about medical negligence or another topic that requires answers from experienced legal professionals, contact GMFM Law as soon as possible. We appreciate the chance to serve you and your family.