BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A California defense attorney has proved he won't let anything get in his way when it comes to getting a job done, not even a heart attack.

Attorney Michael Lukehart is recovering at San Joaquin Hospital after suffering a major heart attack, reported KERO-TV in Bakersfield.

Lukehart said he woke up at 5 a.m. on Monday with massive chest pains.

Even though he knew something was seriously wrong, he said he was in denial.

So instead of going to the hospital, Lukehart said he went to the courthouse to deliver his closing arguments on a case he was on.

Lukehart said the jury had been working on the case all week and he didn't want to disappoint anybody.

"You get focused if you're a real serious litigate, and at some point nothing gets in the way of finishing the trial or doing your job and it's not bright," Lukehart told the television station. "Every doctor who ever hears this is probably cringing to hear it, 'cause minutes matter in such matters."

Finally around 11 a.m., Lukehart drove to his office and had his secretary take him to the hospital.

Lukehart had to get a stent put in one of his major arteries.

He is expected to make a full recovery.