Lawsuit claims medical malpractice caused woman’s death

When one first begins to experience aches and pains, he or she generally assumes that the symptoms will soon resolve themselves. Then, as time goes by and fever and lightheadedness join the assault, one begins to realize that there may be a serious problem for which medical attention should be sought. When this happens, whether in Massachusetts or elsewhere, a visit to the doctor or an emergency room is usually the next step in the search for treatment. Here it is assumed that treatment rather than medical malpractice will be received.

Unfortunately for one family, it appears that the appropriate treatment was not received and the results were tragic. According to a recent lawsuit filed by the patient’s family, this past August a woman visited her local emergency room complaining of lightheadedness and aches. In addition, she was running a fever.

After several days, doctors began administering Heparin on an eight hour rotation. The next day, the patient was discovered in an unresponsive state. It was determined that she had experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and she was transferred to the intensive care unit. Several days later she was sent home on hospice and died a short time later.

Research into circumstances regarding her death indicated that she was apparently given incorrect dosages of Heparin. It appears that she was overdosed, and her family claims that those caring for her failed to properly monitor her. In their suit, they claim that all of this led up to and resulted in her death.

The majority of patients who visit a Massachusetts emergency room do receive the care that they need. Their symptoms are diagnosed and treated, and the individual is able to go home and continue on with a normal life. However, sometimes something happens, mistakes are made and medical malpractice becomes an issue. When this is the case, there may be legal remedies available.

Source: pennrecord.com, “Widower alleges wife’s fatal brain hemorrhage due to medical malpractice“, Nicholas Malfitano, Feb. 16, 2017