Judge files lawsuit over husband’s death—alleges heart symptoms were mismanaged
Jessica G. D’Varga, a judge with Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio, has sued OhioHealth and a physician for alleged negligence after the death of her husband, Jacob D. D’Varga. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed Oct. 13 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
According to the complaint, Jacob D. D’Varga had a family history of heart problems. He visited his family doctor in June 2024 with high blood pressure and “reported chest pain with tightness radiating down his left arm.” He also underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG), which revealed symptoms “consistent with ischemia.” The patient was then referred to radiology to undergo a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score screening.
One month later, Jacob D. D’Varga returned for a follow-up appointment to review his CAC results. He reported feeling pain in his chest again and said it has been persistent for two weeks. At this point, the lawsuit alleges that no other follow-up treatments were ordered or performed—no ECG, no CCTA, no referral to a cardiologist.
In October 2024, Jacob D. D’Varga visited his physician again, still complaining about chest pain and shortness of breath. Once again, according to the lawsuit, no follow-up care was ordered or performed. No referrals were made. Jacob D. D’Varga died less than two weeks later after collapsing on his treadmill. The cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including multi-vessel obstructive coronary artery disease.
The text of the complaint highlights the multiple times Jacob D. D’Varga was seen without receiving follow-up heart imaging or cardiologist care.
“The defendants owed duties to Jacob and his family to adhere to accepted standards of medical care by properly managing, diagnosing, and treating his medical condition,” according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit lists several examples of alleged negligence. These include improperly reading the ECG, relying too much on the CAC score, not ordering a CCTA, not referring the patient to a cardiologist and not sending him to an emergency room.
Jessica G. D’Varga has demanded a jury trial. OhioHealth is not commenting on the legislation.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.