Doctors Cleared in Ritter's Death

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A jury cleared a cardiologist and a radiologist Friday of negligence in the diagnosis and treatment of actor John Ritter, who died of a torn aorta in 2003. Jurors said the majority believed the cardiologist summoned to the hospital after Ritter was diagnosed with a heart attack had no time to order a chest X-ray that might have found the tear. They also said the radiologist, who gave Ritter a body scan two years earlier, did advise Ritter of coronary problems and to consult other doctors, but his failure to do so did not cause his death. The 9-3 verdict means there is no damage judgment against the doctors, neither of whom were present when the jury reached a decision in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ritter's widow and children.

Verdicts do not have to be unanimous in civil cases.

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What a tragic loss. However, I do believe Mr. Ritters failure to consult a doctor on an early diagnosis was a hugh red flag and should of been taken more seriously and therefore, I do think it was the cause of his death. The body scan that had been performed two years earlier did show coronary problems. So the way I see it is coronary and aorta go hand and hand. "arteries to the heart, from the heart and for the heart" it's all about the heart. I think his premature death was avoidable or could of at least been prolonged if he would have just consulted a doctor when told to do so!