Doctor Negligence in Failing to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

Our Case *

On August 17, 1998, a then 51 year old, Lester Everly, presented to his family doctors' office with a complaint of abdominal pain and insomnia. Mr. Everly was diagnosed with gastritis and insomnia. On September 1, 1998, Mr. Everly underwent an upper GI. Mr. Everly's very abnormal chest films, shortness of breath and apparent pulmonary hypertension alarmed the radiologist conducting the study. The doctors original diagnosis of hiatal hernia with possible gastritis, possible pulmonary hypertension, and right sided cardiac failure was wrong.

Mr. Everly underwent testing and blood work by Dr. Howard, who finally recognized Mr. Everly's past history of DVT, which places him at great risk for pulmonary embolism. This information was also in Mr. Everly's medical record for the prior doctors. Unfortunately, Dr. Howard failed to put all the testing and symptoms together and order the required life saving Heparin. Lester Everly died at 3:58 p.m. of a large pulmonary embolism.

Why were Defendants Negligent?

The negligence of defendants consists of treatment beneath the acceptable standard of care which caused Mr. Everly's premature and untimely death. Furthermore, defendants failed to administer heparin immediately, and then go for a VQ scan to confirm a pulmonary embolism.

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 Mr. Everly and his family received was well worth the effort. At the Law Offices of Gayle R. Lewis, we go to battle for you.

* Names have been changed where appropriate