Los Angeles Heart Attack Lawyer

Types of Heart Attacks

Heart attacks can be classified into three main types: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and coronary artery spasm or unstable angina.

• A STEMI is the most serious type of heart attack. It occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked, cutting off blood flow to a large part of the heart. This type of heart attack requires immediate attention. Symptoms often include intense chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.
• NSTEMI is less severe than STEMI but still serious. In NSTEMI, the coronary artery is partially blocked. This means some blood can still flow to the heart, but the supply is reduced. Symptoms might be similar to STEMI but can be less intense. It’s still important to seek medical help right away.
• Coronary artery spasm, also known as unstable angina, happens when a coronary artery tightens or spasms, reducing blood flow to the heart. This type of heart attack might not cause lasting damage, but it’s a warning sign. Symptoms can include chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion.

Causes of Heart Attacks

Heart attacks happen when blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced. This can be caused by several factors.

• A common cause is the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Over time, plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a clot that blocks the artery completely.
• Another cause is a coronary artery spasm. These spasms can temporarily reduce or stop blood flow to the heart. Spasms can be triggered by stress, smoking, or the use of stimulant drugs.
• High blood pressure can also lead to heart attacks. When your blood pressure is high, it forces your heart to work harder, which can damage the arteries over time. This damage can make it easier for plaque to build up.
• High cholesterol is another risk factor. Too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to plaque formation. This is especially true if you have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol.
• Lastly, heart attacks can be caused by a tear in the coronary artery, known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). This tear can slow or block blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack.

Potentially Liable Parties

When dealing with heart attacks, identifying who could be liable is crucial. In Los Angeles, several parties might be held accountable based on their actions or negligence.

• First, your employer could be liable if your heart attack happened at work or was caused by job-related conditions. Occupational stress and demanding work conditions can contribute to heart problems. If your employer failed to provide a safe work environment or required excessive overtime without adequate breaks, they might be held responsible (in workers’ compensation cases, there is no need to prove that the employer was negligent).
• Second, healthcare providers, including doctors and hospitals, could be liable if they misdiagnosed or failed to diagnose a heart condition, or if they did not provide appropriate treatment. Medical malpractice laws in California hold healthcare providers accountable for negligence that results in harm to patients. If a doctor overlooked warning signs or did not follow up on symptoms, they could be held liable for the resulting heart attack.
• Third, product manufacturers might be responsible if a defective product caused or contributed to a heart attack. This could include medications with harmful side effects that were not properly disclosed. Under California’s product liability laws, manufacturers must ensure their products are safe and provide clear warnings of any risks. If a product defect caused your heart attack, you might have grounds for a claim.

In Los Angeles, proving liability involves showing that the party had a duty to you, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the heart attack. This requires gathering evidence, such as medical records, expert testimonies, and witness statements. Understanding the specific laws and regulations in California is essential in building a strong case against the liable party.

Legal Recourse for Victims

If you suffered a heart attack and believe someone else is responsible, you have legal options to pursue. You can file an insurance claim or consider legal action.

First, you can file a claim with your health or disability insurance. Review your policy to understand what is covered. You may need to provide medical records, a statement from your doctor, and other documentation to support your claim. If the insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal the decision. Make sure to follow the specific procedures for appeals, including any deadlines.

Second, you can consider legal action against the party you believe is responsible for your heart attack. This could be your employer, a healthcare provider, or a product manufacturer. To start, gather evidence to support your case. This includes medical records, expert opinions, and any other relevant information. You will need to show that the other party’s actions or negligence directly caused your heart attack.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a standard personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice; however, is one-to-three years. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your case, so it is important to act promptly.

Consulting with a legal professional can help you understand your rights and the best course of action. They can assist in gathering evidence, filing necessary paperwork, and representing your interests. Pursuing legal options can be complex, but it may provide the relief you need after suffering a heart attack caused by someone else’s actions.

Damages

A heart attack can drastically change your life. You might face ongoing medical treatment, lost income, and significant emotional stress. If someone else’s actions caused your heart attack, you might be able to recover damages. These can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can also claim for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you are partially at fault, you might still recover damages, but the amount could be reduced based on your share of fault. In wrongful death cases, close family members can recover for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related expenses.

Steps to Take When Experiencing a Heart Attack

If you experience a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Chew an aspirin, if advised by the operator, and stay calm. Once in the hospital, follow your doctor’s instructions and take prescribed medications. Inform close family members and consider seeing a specialist for ongoing care.

A heart attack lawyer helps you understand your rights and options. They can gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and help you get the compensation you deserve. This support allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.

Los Angeles Heart Attack Attorney

If you’ve suffered a heart attack, you need legal help to understand your rights and options. Contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a consultation with a heart attack attorney. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through the process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.