A heart attack (or “myocardial infarction”) can be a terrifying and life-changing event.
Well over one million people have heart attacks across the United States every year, and a number of these incidents could’ve been prevented with an earlier investigation, diagnosis, and treatment by the healthcare team.
These mistakes can happen with misinterpretation of EKGs, failure to implement chest pain protocols by any member of the healthcare team, erroneously believing the patient is just having heartburn, to not acting promptly enough to treat a diagnosed heart attack.
No matter which situation applies, you could have the legal right to pursue a claim for the negligent management of a heart attack.
The medical provider or facility should be held accountable if they were negligent.
The New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers at Poulos & Cavazos, LLP, can help you determine your best course of legal action.
New Mexico Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyers: What Patients Should Know
A missed or delayed heart attack diagnosis can change a life in minutes. Here is what our New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers want patients and families to understand before deciding on a next step.
Key Takeaways
- Heart attacks are often mistaken for heartburn, acid reflux, anxiety attacks, or bronchitis, especially when symptoms seem mild.
- A normal EKG does not rule out a heart attack, so doctors should not rely on that single test to dismiss chest pain.
- Younger, otherwise healthy patients, particularly women, are more likely to have heart attack symptoms brushed aside.
- Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, and families may have a wrongful death claim after a fatal misdiagnosis.
Complications of a Delayed Heart Attack Diagnosis
When health problems are diagnosed timely and correctly, that results in more timely medical care.
Such a patient usually has a better prognosis.
However, delayed diagnosis can be devastating and sometimes even fatal. Some people think a delayed diagnosis is reserved for conditions like cancer.
Unfortunately, a delayed diagnosis can affect your health in many medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, infection, blood clots/DVT, cancer, and more.
If you suffered a heart attack because a medical provider failed to diagnose or treat your condition timely, you need to speak with a skilled New Mexico medical malpractice attorney at Poulos & Cavazos.
You Deserve Answers
When Your Symptoms Were Dismissed, We Will Listen
Learning that a heart attack could have been caught sooner is painful, and it is normal to feel angry, confused, or unsure where to turn. You do not have to sort through medical records and unanswered questions alone. Our firm focuses solely on medical malpractice, and we will talk with you about what happened and what your options may be.
Schedule A Free ConsultationNew Mexico Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
Every year, thousands of people are misdiagnosed when they suffer heart attack symptoms.
This problem usually happens when primary care doctors or emergency room physicians don’t take your symptoms seriously enough.
Failure to properly diagnose a heart attack can have catastrophic results, including death.
It’s not uncommon for symptoms of a mild heart attack to mimic other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- anxiety attacks
- bronchitis.
Medical professionals can use several different tests to help diagnose underlying heart conditions, such as blood tests, chest X-rays, MRIs, catheterization, and echocardiography. Some of these tests are expensive, which is why doctors try to avoid using them.
Unfortunately, their desire to save money can lead to deadly results for you or someone you love.
There is also the less common scenario where a doctor says you had a heart attack and you didn’t. They might prescribe a treatment regimen and medication that you should not be taking.
Being placed on heart medications when you don’t have an underlying condition can lead to other health issues and complications.
You could also develop new health problems that you would never have had if not for the wrong prescription medication, as some medicines have long-term side effects.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a heart attack misdiagnosis, let the experienced legal team of New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers at Poulos & Cavazos LLP help.
Meet Our New Mexico Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyer
Andrew J. Cavazos is a partner at Poulos & Cavazos LLP, representing clients in complex medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases across New Mexico and Texas. He has extensive experience in litigation and appeals, with more than $250 million in settlements and verdicts for clients.
Andrew has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 attorney. He has also held leadership roles in state and local bar associations, reflecting his commitment to advocacy and the legal profession.
He previously served on the State Bar of Texas committee responsible for developing pattern jury charges involving products liability and medical malpractice. Andrew combines his litigation experience with a strong commitment to protecting the rights of injured individuals and their families.
Undiagnosed Heart Disease
Failure to properly diagnose underlying heart disease can lead to a heart attack misdiagnosis down the line.
Undiagnosed heart disease can lead to a hazardous situation where you have a heart attack that could’ve been prevented.
Proper care and treatment can help diagnose possibly deadly conditions such as:
- Coronary artery disease,
- Heart attacks,
- Aortic aneurysms,
- Congestive heart failure,
- Heart infections,
- Arrhythmia, and
- Valvular heart disease.
If you suspect you have heart problems, don’t give up if one doctor dismisses your concerns. Visit another doctor to get a second opinion, which could ultimately help save your life.
Common Causes of a Heart Attack Misdiagnosis
There are numerous other reasons a misdiagnosis could happen. Some of the most common reasons are as follows.
You Displayed Minor Symptoms
Some plaintiffs have a mild heart attack, but the physical symptoms are so minor that doctors do not believe there was any possibility of a heart attack.
If you only display one or two symptoms, your doctor may never consider checking for a heart attack.
EKG is Normal
Sometimes you can have a heart attack, but the EKG comes back normal. EKG stands for electrocardiogram, and it’s the standard test that most emergency room doctors use to diagnose a heart attack.
An EKG displays your heart’s electrical impulse activity on a monitor.
If it comes back normal, many doctors may assume there is no heart attack and start looking at other potential conditions.
It’s not unheard of for an EKG to show normal shortly after a heart attack, which is why doctors shouldn’t rely on the results 100% of the time.
You Are the Atypical Patient
While not appropriate, some medical providers tend to stereotype patients when it comes to heart attacks.
If you are an older man with a documented history of heart issues or other related conditions, they are more likely to take your complaints and symptoms seriously.
If you are a younger female and generally healthy, the doctor may immediately dismiss your complaints and concerns about a heart attack.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Misdiagnosed Heart Attack Case?
If you are the victim of a heart attack misdiagnosis, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Potential damages include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses;
- Loss of earnings to date;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of companionship.
If you lose a loved one due to a heart attack misdiagnosis, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Recoverable damages will vary in every case based on your circumstances. Medical malpractice cases are notoriously challenging to pursue, which is why you need a skilled legal advocate on your side.
Here For Your Family
Taking Care of Your Family Comes First
Whether you are recovering yourself or grieving someone you love, the time after a missed heart attack can feel overwhelming. There is no cost to talk with us. We will answer your questions honestly and help you decide on a next step that feels right for you and your family.
Contact a New Mexico Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered damages due to a heart attack misdiagnosis, contact Poulos & Cavazos, LLP, today to schedule an initial consultation.
Our New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience helping clients just like you.
Our firm focuses solely on medical malpractice cases. Let us put our knowledge and expertise to work for you.
We are committed to getting compensation for victims of medical malpractice.
To date, we’ve recovered over 500 million dollars for our clients. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and learn more about how we can help you.
Other Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in New Mexico
- Medical Misdiagnosis
- Surgeon Malpractice
- Hospital Nursing Malpractice
- Hospital Transfer Delay Malpractice
- Physician Malpractice
- Anesthesia Malpractice
- Chemotherapy Malpractice
- Colonoscopy Injuries
- Gallbladder/Cholecystectomy Injuries
- Obstetrical Malpractice
- Radiology Errors
- Nerve Injuries
- Birth Injury
- Brain Injury
- Spinal Injury
- Sepsis Malpractice
- Medication Errors
New Mexico Heart Attack Misdiagnosis Lawyers Answer Common Questions
Below, our New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers answer questions patients and families often ask after a heart attack was missed, delayed, or wrongly diagnosed.
A heart attack misdiagnosis happens when a provider fails to recognize a heart attack, diagnoses it too late, or identifies the wrong condition. Common examples include misreading an EKG, skipping chest pain protocols, blaming symptoms on heartburn or anxiety, or not treating a diagnosed heart attack promptly. Diagnosing a heart attack that never happened can also cause harm.
Yes. An EKG can appear normal shortly after a heart attack, which is why doctors should not rely on it alone. When symptoms point to a cardiac problem, providers can use other tools such as blood tests, chest X-rays, echocardiography, or catheterization. Ruling out a heart attack based on one normal EKG can lead to a dangerous delay in care.
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one died because of the misdiagnosis, your family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages vary with every case.
A lawyer can review your medical records, help determine whether a provider was negligent, and explain your legal options. Medical malpractice cases are notoriously challenging, so experience matters. Our firm focuses solely on medical malpractice, and our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience. Your first consultation with us is free.
Local Resources for Heart Attack Misdiagnosis in Las Cruces
When a heart attack is not recognized promptly, a patient may experience serious complications or require additional treatment. Patients and families who suspect a missed or delayed diagnosis may need to obtain emergency department records, cardiac testing results, medication records, hospital discharge documents, and information about subsequent treatment.
The following resources serve Las Cruces and surrounding communities. They can help patients obtain records, report concerns about care, and locate follow-up services. These organizations do not determine whether a heart attack was negligently misdiagnosed.
If someone may be having a heart attack now, call 911 immediately. Do not delay emergency care to contact a hospital records department, file a complaint, or seek legal advice.
Hospitals & Emergency Care in Las Cruces
- Memorial Medical Center – 2450 S. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88011. Full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department, ICU, labor and delivery, and a NICU. Main line (575) 522-8641; Emergency Department (575) 521-2286. Visit Website
- MountainView Regional Medical Center – 4311 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88011. Acute care hospital with a 24-hour emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab, and certification as a primary stroke center. Call (575) 556-7600. Visit Website
- Three Crosses Regional Hospital – 2560 Samaritan Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88001. A 46-bed acute care hospital with an intensive care unit, emergency room, on-site imaging and laboratory, and specialty clinics. Call 1-800-421-8274. Visit Website
Urgent Care & Community Clinics
- MountainView Urgent Care at Lohman – 4351 E. Lohman Ave., Suite 100, Las Cruces, NM 88011. Walk-in care seven days a week. Call (575) 525-2700. Visit Website
- La Clinica de Familia – Central Medical clinic at 575 S. Alameda Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88005, with additional locations across Doña Ana County. Community health center providing medical, dental, women’s health, and behavioral health care on a sliding scale. Call (575) 528-6400. Visit Website
- Amador Health Center – 999 W. Amador Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Nonprofit clinic serving uninsured and underinsured patients with primary care and care navigation. Call (575) 527-5482. Visit Website
- Ben Archer Health Center – Hatch – 255 NM-187, Hatch, NM 87937. Serves patients in northern Doña Ana County who would otherwise drive to Las Cruces for primary and dental care. Call (575) 267-3088. Visit Website
Requesting Medical Records After a Suspected Missed Heart Attack
Your chart is the foundation of any malpractice claim. Federal law gives you the right to a copy of your own records, and you do not need to give a reason. Because care in Las Cruces is often split across more than one facility, request records from every provider involved, not just the hospital where the harm occurred. Put each request in writing and keep a copy.
- Memorial Medical Center – Health Information Management – Located in the Memorial Medical Center Annex. Walk-in release of information hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Call (575) 521-2297 or fax (855) 810-1934. Requests are fulfilled through Memorial’s records partner and generally take five to ten business days. Records Request Info
- MountainView Regional Medical Center – Medical Records – Records requests are submitted through the hospital’s online form. Main line (575) 556-7600. Request Records
- Three Crosses Regional Hospital – Patient Forms – Authorization and records release forms are available through the hospital’s patient forms page. Call 1-800-421-8274. Patient Forms
- HIPAA Right of Access – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Explains your legal right to your records, what a provider may charge, how long they have to respond, and how to file a complaint if a provider refuses or stalls. Visit Website
Reporting a Concern About Your Care
A complaint to a hospital or a state board is separate from a legal claim, and filing one does not replace the other. Reporting creates an official record and can prompt an investigation, but it will not recover compensation for your losses.
- Memorial Medical Center – Grievances – Hospitals are required to have a formal grievance process. Memorial’s grievance line is (575) 255-1425, and its Patient Experience Liaison can be reached at (575) 556-6269. Department Directory
- Health Facility Complaints Hotline – NM Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement – Investigates complaints against licensed hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities statewide. Call 1-800-752-8649. File a Complaint
- New Mexico Medical Board – Licenses and disciplines physicians, osteopathic doctors, physician assistants, and podiatrists. Complaints are filed through the Board’s online portal. Call (505) 476-7220. File a Complaint
- New Mexico Board of Nursing – Reviews complaints alleging violations of the Nursing Practice Act by RNs, LPNs, and advanced practice nurses. Call (505) 841-8340. File a Complaint
- The Joint Commission – Report a Patient Safety Event – Accredits hospitals nationwide and accepts patient safety concerns from patients and families directly. Report a Concern
- Acentra Health BFCC-QIO – New Mexico – The Medicare quality-of-care review organization for New Mexico. Handles quality complaints and fast appeals if you believe a hospital is discharging you too soon. Call 1-888-315-0636. Visit Website
- New Mexico Adult Protective Services – Statewide intake for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult. Call 1-866-654-3219. Visit Website
- New Mexico Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Free, confidential advocacy for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Call 1-866-451-2901. Visit Website
The New Mexico Medical Review Commission
New Mexico has a pre-suit screening step that surprises many patients. Before a lawsuit is filed against a qualified independent provider who is a natural person, the claim must first go to the Medical Review Commission, where a panel of medical professionals and attorneys reviews the application. The panel’s decision is not admissible in any later lawsuit. Importantly, claims against hospitals and outpatient healthcare facilities are not filed with the Commission. This is a step your attorney handles, not something you file yourself, but it helps to know it exists.
- New Mexico Medical Review Commission – Created under Section 41-5-14 of the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act. Administered with staff and resources provided by the New Mexico Medical Society. Call (505) 828-0237. Visit Website
Courts & Legal Resources in Doña Ana County
- Third Judicial District Court – Doña Ana County – 201 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Handles civil cases, including medical malpractice and wrongful death claims arising in Doña Ana County. Call (575) 523-8200.
- Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office – 845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007. Recorded documents, probate filings, and county records. Call (575) 647-7421. Visit Website
- New Mexico Legal Aid – Las Cruces Office – 600 Montana Ave., Suite D, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Free civil legal help for qualifying low-income New Mexicans in southern counties. Call (575) 541-4800. Visit Website
Records & Support for Families After a Death
- New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics – Issues certified death certificates, which families need before opening an estate or pursuing a wrongful death claim. Access is restricted to immediate family or those with a legal interest. Call 1-866-534-0051. Order a Death Certificate
- VitalChek Express Certificate Service – Expedited online ordering for New Mexico death certificates. Call 1-877-284-0963. Order Online
- Mesilla Valley Hospice – 299 Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Long-standing local nonprofit offering end-of-life care and bereavement support for families, including those whose loss was sudden. Call (575) 523-4700. Visit Website
Public Health & Follow-Up Care
- Las Cruces Public Health Office – NM Department of Health – 1170 N. Solano Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88001. Immunization records, screenings, family health services, and referrals. Call (575) 528-5001. Visit Website
- Las Cruces East Mesa Public Health Office – 5220 Holman Rd., Las Cruces, NM 88012. Second Doña Ana County public health location serving the East Mesa. Call (575) 382-0540. Visit Website
Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care & Disability Support
When an injury creates lasting care needs, the recovery often continues long after the hospital discharge. These Las Cruces facilities and programs handle that next stage.
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico – 4441 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88011. Inpatient rehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal injury, and complex surgery. Call (575) 521-6400.
- Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico – 4451 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88011. Long-term acute care hospital for patients who need extended hospital-level treatment, including ventilator weaning. Call (575) 521-6600.
- Tresco Inc. – 1800 Copper Loop, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Doña Ana County nonprofit providing early intervention, therapy, and developmental disability services, including support for children with birth-related injuries. Call (575) 528-2200. Visit Website
- New Mexico Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – Statewide help line for long-term care options, in-home services, benefits counseling, and caregiver support. Call 1-800-432-2080. Visit Website
Mental Health & Grief Support in Las Cruces
The emotional aftermath of serious medical harm is its own injury, and it often outlasts the physical one. Support is available in Doña Ana County.
- Mesilla Valley Hospital – 3751 Del Rey Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88012. Psychiatric hospital offering inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs for adults and adolescents. Call 1-800-877-3500. Visit Website
- La Clinica de Familia – Behavioral Health Specialty Services – 535 S. Miranda St., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Outpatient counseling, medication management, crisis intervention, and community support services. Call (575) 647-2800. Visit Website
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Call or text 988. Visit Website
Getting to Medical Appointments
- RoadRUNNER Transit – 300 W. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. City bus service with routes serving the Telshor and Lohman medical corridors where most Las Cruces hospitals and specialty clinics are located. Call (575) 541-2500. Routes & Schedules
- South Central Regional Transit District – 300 W. Lohman Ave., Suite 115, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Regional routes connecting outlying Doña Ana County communities to Las Cruces medical facilities, useful for patients traveling in from Anthony, Chaparral, Hatch, or Sunland Park. Call (575) 323-1620. Routes & Schedules
Insurance & Billing Help
- New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance – Consumer Assistance Bureau – Helps New Mexicans resolve disputes with insurance companies over denied claims, coverage, and claim processing. Call 1-855-427-5674. File a Complaint
- Memorial Medical Center – Patient Financial Services – For questions about hospital billing, itemized statements, and financial assistance. Call 1-855-453-1203. As a nonprofit hospital, Memorial is required to maintain a financial assistance policy. Department Directory
Our Las Cruces office offers free initial case reviews for patients and families who believe a missed or delayed heart attack diagnosis caused serious harm.
If you suspect that a heart attack was not recognized or treated appropriately, consider preserving the available medical records and documenting the timeline of symptoms, emergency visits, test results, diagnoses, and subsequent treatment. Seeking legal advice promptly can help you understand the potential next steps and applicable deadlines. Call our New Mexico heart attack misdiagnosis lawyers at (575) 523-4444 for a free case review.
