$2.5 Million Jury Verdict in Wrongful Death, Hospital Negligence Case for Early Discharge of Disabled Patient

William Pratt, 75, a bilateral leg amputee, went to the Wills Eye Hospital emergency room at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He complained of eye pain and tearing. During his medical workup, Pratt’s eyes were dilated. He was then treated with an antibiotic eye ointment.

The attending physician discharged Pratt with a diagnosis of corneal abrasion. Pratt’s vision was impaired. He steered his motorized wheelchair over cement steps while leaving the hospital. He fell over, and his wheelchair fell on top of him, causing him to suffer a spinal cord injury and a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Pratt underwent surgery but, unfortunately, he later died. He was survived by five adult children. One of the Pratt children, on behalf of the estate, sued Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Wills Eye Hospital, alleging that its staff chose not to advise Pratt of the need for assistance following his discharge.

The jury signed a verdict for $2.5 million apportioning liability at 70% to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and 30% to Wills Eye Hospital.

At trial, the attorneys for the Pratt family presented experts in internal medicine and ophthalmology. The defendants presented experts in ophthalmology.

The attorneys successfully handling this tragic case for the Pratt family were Todd Schoenhaus and Joshua Schwartz.

Pratt v. Wills Eye Hospital, No. 17-06-00646 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Philadelphia County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling medical malpractice lawsuits, wrongful death cases, misdiagnosis lawsuits and birth trauma injury cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Arlington Heights, Orland Park, Mundelein, Palatine, Palos Hills, Schiller Park, Bensenville, Calumet City, Chicago (North Lawndale, Austin, South Shore, Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Wrigleyville, Greek Town, Little Italy, Back of the Yards, Mount Greenwood, Jefferson Park, Washington Park, West Town, McKinley Park, Edgewater), Joliet, Aurora, Geneva, Wheaton, Worth and Wilmette, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.