Medical Malpractice (Ruptured aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection)
Settlement during trial: $1,900,000.00

Decedent was a 61 year old man with a long history of high blood pressure who developed the sudden onset of chest and back pain, associated with leg numbness and weakness. He went to a local hospital emergency room, where he was seen by the defendant. Defendant ordered routing tests, including EKG, chest x-ray, urinalysis and blood tests. No cardiology consult was requested, and no imaging studies were ordered. Decedent had a dissecting aortic aneurysm. Defendant sent him home with a diagnosis of "atypical chest pain". He died the next day. Case settled against emergency room doctor, then went to trial against the internist.