Trial Magazine

Michael Mills, a 28-year-old man with a history of smoking and borderline hypertension, experienced chest pain for one year. Cardiologist Hassan Kassamali ordered an echocardiogram, which was normal. Mills had two additional appointments with Kassamali for his continued symptoms; however, the physician ordered no other tests.

About three weeks after his last cardiology appointment, Mills suffered fatal cardiac arrest. An autopsy revealed ­triple-vessel coronary artery disease. Mills is survived by his parents and minor son.

Mills’s estate sued Kassamali, alleging failure to diagnose coronary artery disease. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant should have ordered a stress test, prescribed medication, and ordered a catheterization in light of Mills’s unexplained chest pain. Suit did not claim lost income.

The jury awarded approximately $3.92 million, which was reduced to approximately $1.1 million under the state’s noneconomic damages cap.

Citation: Mills v. Kassamali, No. 03C14012573 (Md. Cir. Ct. Baltimore Cnty. Sept. 30, 2016).

Plaintiff counsel: Jeffrey L. Peek and C. Drew Fritch, both of Baltimore.