Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe suffered from high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation and had a family history of heart disease. He went to his primary care physician (PCP), complaining of new onset chest pain that radiated to his arms and shoulders. When an EKG revealed concerning cardiac signs and a high risk for heart attack, the PCP referred Doe to Roe cardiologist on an urgent basis.

Roe evaluated Doe the next day and reviewed the EKG, concluding that Doe’s symptoms were likely gastrointestinal. Eight days later, Doe underwent a stress echocardiogram. Roe advised him to follow up with the PCP, allegedly concluding that Doe’s symptoms were not cardiac related.

Approximately three weeks later, Doe suffered a heart attack and anoxic brain damage. He subsequently died of his injuries and is survived by his spouse.

Suit against Roe alleged failure to order an immediate cardiac catheterization and discontinue Doe’s flecainide, which is contraindicated in patients with structural heart disease because it increases the likelihood of heart attack and death.

The parties settled for more than $1.17 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn., Ct., & Date).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Brewster Rawls, Richmond, Va.