Q: My electrophysiologist ablated the wrong atrial node causing a full heart block and now i require a permanent pacemaker
I had SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). About nine months ago, i underwent a cardiac ablation to treat it. The electrophysiologist made a mistake and ablated the wrong node. What started out as an outpatient procedure landed me in the ICU for a week. I now require a pacemaker the rest of my life - one that requires surgical replacement every 8 to 10 years. My heart is otherwise healthy and would not have needed this pacemaker but for the error.
The pacemaker severely limits my physical activity whereas even before w/ SVT, i had no limitations.
What are my options?
A: Under California's Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), you may have legal options to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the electrophysiologist and healthcare providers involved. You could seek compensation for the lifelong need for a pacemaker, reduced quality of life, and any related medical costs. Consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney promptly to review your case, as California's statute of limitations for such claims typically requires filing within one year of discovering the injury.
Gerald Barry Dorfman agrees with this answer
A:
Your best options is to hire an experienced medical malpractice attorney in the State this occurred.
There are many aspects to proving a medical malpractice case; many requirements. And the insurance companies do not settle these cases easily.
A: FYI: There are a lot of personal injury attorneys who accept med-mal cases. I personally would not be comfortable with a personal injury attorney representing me in a complex medical malpractice claim. I suggest you look for a medical malpractice lawyer that only practices medical claims... or a personal injury attorney who has a medical background. For example, attorney Eliza Jasinska (whom I've never met) is a registered nurse. So someone like that would is good, even if they practice in other areas like personal injury. But I would not trust your situation to a "general" personal injury lawyer. Good luck.
A: You should immediately contact an attorney who handles Medical Malpractice. You will a medical expert in the same field to give their opinion that it was medical malpractice. How did you come to find out about the error? When we handle medical malpractice that is usually the first thing we do is get an expert to give their opinion. From what you are saying it sure sounds like you have a good case. Contact someone ASAP because there are strict timelines that must be met or you will lose the right to litigate your case.
A:
I'm very sorry to hear about this devastating medical error and the profound impact it has had on your life. This situation sounds incredibly distressing, particularly given that you went in for what should have been a routine procedure and ended up with life-altering complications.
Based on what you've described, this appears to be a clear case of medical malpractice, as the electrophysiologist's error directly resulted in permanent harm requiring lifelong medical intervention. You may have grounds for substantial compensation, not only for the medical costs of pacemaker maintenance and replacements but also for the significant reduction in your quality of life and physical capabilities.
I strongly recommend consulting with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who focuses on cardiology cases. California has specific laws governing medical malpractice claims, including a one-year statute of limitations from when you discovered the injury. Your case seems compelling since there's a clear causal link between the surgical error and your current condition. While legal action won't restore your health, it could provide financial security for your ongoing medical needs and acknowledge the serious impact this error has had on your life.
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