$5.2 Million Jury Verdict For Wrongful Death of Patient Who Was Misdiagnosed With Internal Hemorrhoids, Not Colon Cancer

David Robinson, who was in his 30s, found blood in his stool. He went to the office of his primary care physician, Dr. William Elder, where he was seen by a physician assistant, David Lamport. Lamport did a cursory physical examination and diagnosed internal hemorrhoids as the origin of blood in Robinson’s stool.

Unfortunately, eight months later, when Robinson’s symptom of blood in his stool persisted, he underwent a colonoscopy, which showed Stage IV colon cancer; it had spread to his liver.

In spite of cancer treatment, Robinson died within a year. He had been working in his family business earning approximately $90,000 per year. He was survived by his wife and three young daughters.

Robinson’s wife and family sued Lamport, Dr. Elder and their medical group employer claiming liability for Lamport’s choosing not to perform an internal examination or order additional testing such as a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer. Doctors are generally charged with ruling out the most dangerous and deadly diseases when patients present with symptoms. In addition, the Robinson family alleged agency liability.

The jury’s verdict was for $5.2 million for this wrongful death case. Post-trial motions are pending. The reporting of this case was made confidential by the parties.

The attorneys successfully handling this case for the Robinson family were John Rinehardt and Melanie Fahey.

Robinson v. American Health Network, Undisclosed Docket

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling medical malpractice lawsuits, misdiagnosis of cancer lawsuits, wrongful death cases, birth injury lawsuits, cerebral palsy cases and traumatic brain 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 Flossmoor, Long Grove, Bensenville, Libertyville, Lynwood, Chicago Ridge, South Holland, Blue Island, Calumet City, Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton, Winfield, Winthrop Harbor, Chicago (Jackson Park, Lakeview, Lawndale, The Loop, Mayfair, Margate Park, Morgan Park, Greek Town, Chinatown, Beverly, Washington Heights, Roseland, Pullman, Lake Calumet, Deering, Woodlawn, Englewood, Little Italy), Justice, Countryside, LaGrange, Oakbrook Terrace and Palos Park, Ill.