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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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My Brother Had Enlarged Heart And He Was Died

My bro was in the hospital for heart problems, with no cardiologist on staff for 5 days. He died, can we sue? He went to the ER because he had chest pains and difficulty breathing. They gave him morphine and antibiotics , names unknown right now. An EKO showed an enlarged heart and fluid around the heart. He was in ICU for 3 days - seemed to be getting better. He was talking, walking, but still had some difficulty breathing. He was transferred to a Med/Surg unit for the last 2 days. The hospital did not have any cardiologist on staff for 5 days but they could have shipped him to a different hospital where a cardiologist is on staff 24/7. My brother was in the hospital over the Thanksgiving day weekend so the hospital had minimal staff on duty. We were never told that he should be shipped to another hospital. Doesn t the hospital have an obligation to provide care to the best of their ability? Even if it means sending the patient to another hospital? Based on that info, do we, the family, have a right to sue the hospital? He left behind 3 young daughters. Thank you in advance for your input.
Sat, 19 Dec 2009
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It sounds like u have a good case. If someone presents with chest pain and the echocardiogram showed an enlarged heart and fluid THAT indicates a cardio workup right there. WHO read the echo?? Usually that would be a cardiologist. Are u sure he didn't have one? Hospitals are required to follow regulations called STANDARDS OF CARE. These are sort of what all hospitals follow and they are generally the same from on hosp to another. Call an attorney and make sure it is a good one and that u don't get ripped off by him too. Good luck and regrets to family.

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My Brother Had Enlarged Heart And He Was Died

It sounds like u have a good case. If someone presents with chest pain and the echocardiogram showed an enlarged heart and fluid THAT indicates a cardio workup right there. WHO read the echo?? Usually that would be a cardiologist. Are u sure he didn t have one? Hospitals are required to follow regulations called STANDARDS OF CARE. These are sort of what all hospitals follow and they are generally the same from on hosp to another. Call an attorney and make sure it is a good one and that u don t get ripped off by him too. Good luck and regrets to family.