$2.5 Million Settlement in Misread Electrocardiogram Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Doe went to a medical clinic complaining of increased fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. A resident physician allegedly obtained an electrocardiogram (EKG), which was abnormal, and ordered a routine cardiology referral. The resident’s supervising physician allegedly did not see or evaluate Doe.

Four months later, Doe collapsed at home from suspected cardiac arrest. Emergency resuscitation was unsuccessful.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Doe and family alleged that the resident and attending physician chose not to recognize that the EKG findings were consistent with a third-degree heart block, in which the upper chambers of the heart loses communications with the lower chambers. This condition necessitated an urgent referral to a cardiologist for placement of a pacemaker, the plaintiff maintained.

The defense denied that the resident and attending physician had been negligent.

Before trial, the parties settled for $2.5 million.

The attorneys successfully handling this tragic case for Doe and family were William J. Thompson and Andrew C. Meyer Jr.

Doe v. Roe, Confidential docket.

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling radiology negligence lawsuits, wrongful death cases, medical malpractice lawsuits, physician negligence lawsuits and hospital negligence cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 45 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Northfield, Skokie, Park Ridge, Melrose Park, Cicero, LaGrange, Oak Lawn, Alsip, Palos Park, Orland Park, Markham, Harvey, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Schaumburg, Lincolnshire, Chicago (Rogers Park, Logan Square, Near North Side, Bucktown, Hermosa, Portage Park, Humboldt Park, West Town, Near West Side, Chinatown, Greek Town, Old Town, Douglas, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Gage Park, Chatham, South Chicago), Stickney, Berwyn, LaGrange Park and Western Springs, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.