Chances of Untimely Death Increase as Heart Attack Patients Wait at the Hospital

Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) January 25, 2012 – When heart attack patients go to the hospital, more than 30 percent of them are not getting care in a timely manner. In order to give these patients a better chance of survival, medical professionals should be addressing blocked coronary arteries by, among other things, inserting a stent within 30 minutes. However, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that only about 25 percent of U.S. hospitals can perform stenting at all times of the day and night.

“Patients suffering from a blockage often need to be transferred to another facility that is a percutaneous coronary intervention hospital. The time it takes to effectuate the transfer, which often takes 90 minutes or more, can mean the difference between living and dying,” said Chicago wrongful death lawyer Paul Greenberg. “If a facility fails to administer treatment in the recommended timeframe, they can be liable for a patient’s adverse outcome, including death.”

The study confirmed that only nine percent of hospitals are able to make the 30 minute recommendation. Heart attacks known as STEMI – ST segment elevation myocardial infarction – need to be treated as quickly as possible to restore the blood flow to the heart muscle. The first hour after a heart attack is crucial. STEMI heart attacks affect 250,000 individuals in the U.S. each year, and make up a fifth of all heart attacks.

“The more time wasted, the higher the chances for serious complications and death,” said Greenberg.

The Chicago wrongful death attorney helps families gets answers in wrongful death cases and get compensation for death expenses, loss of financial support, and pain and suffering. To learn more about the Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Law Firm, call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg
351 West Hubbard Street, Ste 810
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.222.0010
Twitter: Follow Us!
Facebook: Like Us!
Google Places: Contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer from Briskman Briskman & Greenberg on Google Places!

[iframe http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/practice-areas/wrongful-death/ 100% 1400px]