Wyandotte County, Kansas. Defense Verdict

 In Results

The plaintiffs’ decedent, a 31 year old male, presented to an emergency room with complaints of shortness of breath and chest pain. Our client, an emergency medicine specialist, examined the patient, ordered a CT study and chest x-ray, checked the troponin level, performed an EKG, and verbally consulted with a cardiologist. The plaintiffs’ decedent was discharged with direction to see the cardiologist within two days and to keep his appointment with his PCP the following day. Five days later, not yet having been seen by the cardiologist, plaintiffs’ decedent experienced chest pain and shortness of breath while driving. He pulled his vehicle over and called 911. Shortly after being transported to the ER, the patient collapsed and died. Autopsy revealed that the cause of death was congestive heart failure due to ruptured papillary muscle due to acute Myocardial Infarction. The plaintiffs, the patient’s surviving spouse and minor child, alleged that our client failed to conduct a thorough and complete history, properly treat and diagnose the patient’s condition, properly order and administer appropriate labs and diagnostic testing, and failed to get an immediate cardiology consult and workup. At trial plaintiffs claimed damages for loss of consortium, loss of support, loss of future wages, and funeral expenses for a total claim in excess of $4,000,000. The jury returned a verdict in favor of our client.