Sometimes doctors have to move quickly to save a life. Failure to take action when the medical situation requires a prompt referral or immediate testing can be a breach of the medical standard of care.
The Lakeland Ledger reports on the unfortunate death of a Winter Haven man who died within 24 hours of arriving at Winter Haven Hospital complaining of chest pains. The patient never saw a cardiologist but was scheduled to see one soon. Apparently, soon was not soon enough.
A Circuit Court jury on Monday awarded a Winter Haven family nearly $2.2 million in a medical malpractice suit against Dr. Ernesto Perez, a Winter Haven internist.
The jury agreed with Robert Addison’s family that Perez took too long in getting Addison proper care. Addison, 53, died in 2003 at Winter Haven Hospital.
Addison had been admitted to the hospital for chest pains, according to his lawyers. They said that Perez waited most of the day before seeing Addison and ordering a cardiologist for the next morning.
Addison died almost 24 hours after arriving at Winter Haven Hospital.
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