It is not uncommon for Pennsylvania individuals who suffer conditions that require surgery to obtain a second opinion, and if surgery cannot be avoided, they may want to ensure that the surgeon is qualified and capable enough not to endanger a patient’s life. However, when surgery is an emergency procedure, the patient has no option but to trust the surgeon and his staff. A man from another state recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against two doctors and a few medical institutions following the death of his wife in 2008.
The man claims that his wife was admitted to the hospital after suffering severe headaches, and the defending doctors diagnosed a cerebral aneurysm. Surgical repair was done immediately, and the woman felt nauseous the following day. Her condition allegedly deteriorated during the days following the surgery, and by the sixth day she was vomiting blood. The doctors apparently diagnosed sepsis on day seven, but she sadly passed away the following day.
The defendants are accused of causing the woman’s wrongful death after she suffered severe pain and suffering. Her husband also holds them responsible for denying her the opportunity to recover and survive to enjoy the affection and love of her family. The amount of damages sought by the husband of the deceased was not specified.
Pennsylvania residents who have lost loved ones after medical treatment or surgical procedures may suspect medical negligence to have caused the death. Families may want to consult with professional advisors to determine whether they are eligible to file a medical malpractice claim in pursuing the recovery of damages. The court may award successfully presented claims with monetary restitution to cover medical expenses and end-of-life costs. In addition, the court may allow additional damages as allowed under state laws.
Source: The Louisiana Record, “West Jefferson Medical Center sued for medical malpractice over alleged sepsis death“, Kyle Barnett, July 3, 2014