Death of Neil Armstrong Caused by Medical Malpractice

8/13/2019 Medical Malpractice John Whitfield

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Heart Association. While that may seem frightening, what’s even scarier is some of these deaths could have been prevented. People around the world know beloved American icon Neil Armstrong by name since he was the first man to walk on the moon. While he passed away at age 82 on August 25, 2012, the issues surrounding his death made the news again this year. The Mercy Health system paid Armstrong’s family a $6 million settlement to avoid public litigation, according to documents obtained by the New York Times. When the settlement was paid, the family agreed to remain silent. The publicizing of the fatal medical malpractice settlement came on the heels of tributes commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in July 2019.

Cardiology Medical Errors Caused Armstrong Death

After successful cardiac bypass surgery in early August 2012, Armstrong bled internally and his blood pressure dropped when nurses removed temporary wires from his pacemaker. When the wires are removed after surgery, if there is too much tension, pulling too hard could rip the surface of the heart, causing life-threatening bleeding into the pericardial space around the heart.  According to the leaked documents mentioned above, Armstrong died after suffering a cardiac tear when a pacing wire was removed.

In Armstrong’s case, medical errors could have occurred at one or all of the following junctures:

• Did doctors incorrectly order an immediate bypass operation after Armstrong checked in with symptoms of heart disease?
• When his pacemaker leads were removed and severe bleeding ensued, did the medical team err when they sent him to the catheterization lab instead of the operating room?
• Did the hospital’s decision to take Armstrong to a catheterization lab to drain the blood instead of an operating room result in his death?
• Could extensive organ damage due to low blood pressure have been avoided or corrected?
• Was Armstrong on anti-platelet agents or anticoagulants at the time the wires were pulled?

Cardiology Malpractice Lawyers

The trial lawyers at Whitfield Bryson LLP have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting, and trying medical malpractice cases to verdict for claims arising out of cardiology malpractice.  If you or a loved one have suffered a preventable coronary event such as a heart attack, you and your family may be entitled to compensation.  To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Nashville, TN medical malpractice attorney, contact us today.