Medical Malpractice Award For Victim Who Died During Threesome

Vigorous physical activity can aggravate heart conditions. If a patient has heart disease, they should talk to their doctor before starting an exercise regimen and may be advised to start slowly. For those with heart disease, heavy exertion during yard work, running, or even sex, can be dangerous. If a doctor fails to warn a patient who may be at risk of a heart attack, the doctor may be found liable for harm. 

Police Officer Seeking Medical Attention for Chest Pain

William Martinez was a police officer in Atlanta with a wife and two young children. When Martinez experienced chest pain, he went to see his doctor. Martinez reportedly felt a pain in his chest that shot up his arm. His doctor found high blood pressure and tests showed Martinez was at high risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). The doctor scheduled a follow-up stress test. However, the doctor apparently did not tell Martinez to refrain from strenuous physical activity. 

The day before the stress test, Martinez met up with a friend and another woman for some intimate activity. During the event, Martinez suffered a fatal heart attack and died. The estate filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor for failing to warn the patient about the dangers of physical activity. A jury found Martinez to be 40% liable for his own death with the remaining liability to the doctor. Martinez’s wife and two children were to receive the $3 million award. 

Risks of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a hardening or narrowing of the blood vessels caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls. The plaques may break off forming a blood clot in the heart, lungs, brain, peripheral arteries, or other sensitive areas in the body. Risk factors for atherosclerosis may include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Clogged arteries increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke and may not have signs or symptoms before a more serious medical emergency. However, once the arteries are blocked to a certain level, they may cause symptoms, including: 

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Treating clogged arteries may involve healthy lifestyle changes, including exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, lowering blood pressure, and not smoking. In some cases, clogged arteries may require surgery to open up the clogged vessels, including placing a stent, angioplasty, or bypass surgery. 

Risks of a Heart Attack During Sex

Sex is like other aerobic exercise, where the participants may experience an elevated heart rate for a period of time. This is generally not a problem for most people in good health or without heart conditions. However, with heart disease, sex can be a cause for concern. If anyone suffers symptoms during sex which include chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath, they should see a doctor. 

Failure to Warn Patients of Dangers 

If you or a loved one was injured because of incorrect medical advice or a medical error, contact our experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian. To discuss your malpractice injury with a member of our legal team, fill out an online case evaluation form or call (866) 849-9899 today.