Heart Attacks and AEDs
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A heart attack can happen anywhere, from the grocery store to a movie theater to your local health club. But how prepared are these public places for emergency situations? Most people aren’t familiar with their state AED laws that require certain high-traffic businesses to provide an automatic external defibrillator on hand.
The Lifesaving Power of an AED
During a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, blood pressure plummets and pulse drops to a dangerous level. If something is not done to treat a heart attack victim within minutes of the arrest, the consequences can prove fatal. Even a 911 call would take too long.
Without immediate attention, lack of oxygen to the brain may result in permanent brain injury, causing paralysis or other unthinkable effects. The AED is the only approved lifesaving measure that can effectively prevent the irreversible effects of a heart attack — if applied within 3 – 4 minutes as recommended by the American Heart Association.
AED Negligence
Despite the laws, there are public businesses that fail to provide working AEDs. They may simply avoid purchasing this medical lifesaving device or fail to keep it in good condition. In some cases, a business may purchase an AED, but never take the time to ensure staff members are trained on how to use the device. Whatever the case may be, these businesses can find themselves subject to a heart attack lawsuit when a patron suffers a severe or fatal heart attack on their premises.
Heart attack lawsuits can be filed by victims and their families to demand compensation for all costs related to the medical emergency, including hospital bills, surgery, income lost during recovery, or even funeral and burial expenses. Grieving families may also be entitled to collect compensation for emotional effects of losing a loved one to heart attack, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship if the death could have been prevented with a working AED. If your loved one has suffered a heart attack, a skilled AED lawyer can answer all of your questions about heart attacks and AEDS.
Bringing a Heart Attack AED Lawsuit
Attorney Richard Hastings can assist individuals who need guidance after a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a heart attack in a public location. If you would like to know more about negligence involving an AED, our team can fill you in and provide valuable answers about your legal rights to compensation. To schedule a heart attack lawsuit evaluation with our attorney, please contact us right away.