Patients who have to see a heart doctor likely expect that the doctor will determine the best treatment to deal with the complaint or condition that necessitated the appointment. In most cases, that is what happens. In other cases, the heart doctor might put profits before patients. That is what some patients are claiming in a lawsuit against a retired Kentucky heart surgeon.
More than 500 plaintiffs are represented in two civil cases that claim they underwent “medically unnecessary and harmful cardiac procedures” by the surgeon at King’s Daughters Medical Center. The lawsuits claim that the defendants misrepresented cardiac conditions to justify procedures. They claim the procedures were done so the defendants could bill for the procedures. The allegations includes negligence and gross negligence, unjust enrichment, negligent hiring, fraud, lack of informed consent and other allegations. The plaintiffs are seeking court costs and attorney fees, loss of earning power, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and a jury trial.
A hospital spokesman says that there is nothing they can specifically respond to, but that some of the complaints are regarding care from “as far back as 1995.” He says the hospital stands behind its cardiac program.
The plaintiffs in this case allege that unnecessary heart procedures were done on them. This type of medical malpractice can cause patient harm. Anyone who has gone through similar situations might have the right to seek compensation as these patients did. Making sure that you understand the process to seek compensation is vital to ensure that you can attempt to seek the compensation you deserve.
Source: The Independent Online, “Hundreds file suit against KDMC, Paulus” Kenneth Hart, Mar. 04, 2014
