Early Discharge from Hospital that Resulted in Brain Damage
Our Case *
This medical malpractice action arose from the negligent
treatment rendered to Ms. Moore by defendants. On
September 14, 1999, Ms. Moore was complaining of various
symptoms including hemoptisis, nosebleeds, headache,
scotoma and edema. On admission to a large hospital
center, Ms. Moore made medical personnel aware of
her shortness of breath, inability to breathe, etc.
Her blood pressure during this time elevated and continued
to rise throughout the admission.
Dr. Smith was her attending physician. Dr. Nelson was a 4th year resident and
Dr. Butler was a 1st year resident. Dr. Smith did not see Ms. Moore until after
September 20, 1999. Therefore, the highest-ranking physician in charge of Ms.
Moore's care was Dr. Nelson, a 4th year resident.
Testimony of nurses and Ms. Moore's family revealed that Ms. Moore, both before
and after delivery, was in a very serious condition, i.e., there were constant
daily complaints of shortness of breath, her inability to breathe, high blood
pressure, tachycardia (a racing heart), etc. The only test ordered by the doctors
was an EKG. Unfortunately, the results that evidenced a heart problem were not
read properly. Therefore, Ms. Moore's condition was neither recognized nor treated
in any way.
Meanwhile, Ms. Moore's family members, while very concerned, were told that the
problems Ms. Moore experienced were psychological issues in her head. As a result,
the hospital staff ordered a psychiatric consult and discharged Ms. Moore. Unfortunately
for Ms. Moore, at the young age of 28, she collapsed within one day of discharge.
She then became hypoxic, suffering both permanent heart and brain damage.
Why were Defendants Negligent?
The residents treating Ms. Moore failed to properly diagnose and treat Ms. Moore's
cardiomyopathy. In this case, a simple EKG read properly, or chest x-ray as a
work up prior to discharge, would have revealed her disability and life threatening
diagnosis of postpartum cardiomyopathy. There were no ordered consultations with
cardiologists, pulmonologists, or any other physician.
The Verdict
The Lewis Law Firm were able to recover a large monetary award
as a result of trial. The battle was far from easy but the reward Ms. Moore received
was well worth it. At the Lewis Law Firm, we go to battle for
you.
* Names have been changed where appropriate
|
