The trial judge in a medical malpractice jury trial correctly adopted the jury instructions in the case over an alleged botched hernia surgery. The Illinois Appellate Court affirmed that ruling. The jury returned a verdict in the defendant’s favor. The appellate court ruled that the trial judge did not err…
Articles Posted in Medical Malpractice
$4 Million Jury Verdict in Failure to Remove Surgical Sponge
Amanda Hoover delivered her child by cesarean section at Banner-University Medical Center. After the delivery, Hoover experienced chronic abdominal pain, intermittent fever and chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. She underwent testing and was later diagnosed as having a foreign body in the lumen of her sigmoid colon. Hoover underwent surgery…
Affidavit of Merit Not Required in Medical Negligence Lawsuit Alleging Breach of Confidentiality
A Missouri Appellate Court held that a patient suing a healthcare provider for improperly accessing confidential information was not required to file an affidavit of merit. In Illinois, an affidavit of merit under Illinois Code of Civil Procedures,735 ILCS 5/2-622, is required in filing a medical malpractice lawsuit as is…
Illinois Appellate Court Reverses Medical Malpractice Case of Nursing Liability
On Sept. 22, 2016, Stephanie Delknap was seen by Dr. David Crawford for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia. Dr. Crawford “attempted” a partial fundoplication procedure. In the following 24 hours, Delknap experienced gagging and retching, could not tolerate food, and had “very poor input and output.” She was…
$1.5 Million Settlement in Negligent Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Ms. Doe, age 36, experienced chronic pelvic pain. She consulted with Dr. Roe, a gynecologist, who allegedly diagnosed Stage II endometriosis. Dr. Roe performed a laparoscopic hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Five days after that surgery, Ms. Doe went to Dr. Roe’s office complaining of nausea, vomiting, fever and decreased voiding. Dr.…
$77.5 Million Jury Verdict Including $1 Million in Punitive Damages in Negligent Patient Treatment
Nicholas Carusillo, 29, had a history of bipolar affective disorder, manic depression and substance abuse. After experiencing signs of mania and behavioral outbursts, he was admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. His medication, including Seroquel and lithium, were increased until his condition stabilized. He was then discharged to Metro Atlanta…
$4.85 Million Settlement in Failure to Diagnose and Treat Aortic Dissection
Edward Peers was eating dinner with his family when he felt a jolt of pain in his back and radiating chest pain. He was taken to Doylestown Hospital where he was examined by an emergency department physician who ordered two EKGs. The test results were not concerning for acute coronary…
$75 Million Jury Verdict in Failure to Timely Diagnose Stroke
Jonathan Buckelew, 32, experienced neck pain and a headache for four days. In addition, he suffered bouts of blurred vision and ringing in his ears. He went to a chiropractor — Dr. Michael Axt — who completed a neck adjustment. When Buckelew sat up after the adjustment, he reported dizziness;…
$18 Million Jury Verdict in Late Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Kerri Downes, 22, discovered a lump in her right breast while showering. She went to Axia Women’s Health, where she was seen by a nurse practitioner, Eileen Carpenter. Carpenter diagnosed fibrocystic breast changes, and a follow-up exam was scheduled for two weeks later. At this appointment, Carpenter again diagnosed bilateral…
Missouri Supreme Court Rejects Plaintiff’s Argument Regarding Failure to Provide Affidavit of Merit Required for Medical Malpractice Cases
Alfred J. Giudicy appealed the circuit court’s judgment dismissing his medical malpractice case without prejudice after he chose not to file an affidavit of merit within 180 days. The filing deadline is required under § 538.225. Giudicy argued that § 538.225 violates the Missouri Constitution. It was also contended by…