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Hysterectomy leads to perforated colon
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with excessive uterine bleeding. The doctor recommended a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Some 3 to 15 days postoperatively, the woman experienced fever and abdominal pain.
In the same month, the patient underwent a procedure to remove an infected pelvic hematoma that allegedly occurred during the first procedure. Three days after this surgery, the woman was hospitalized with a high fever and abdominal pain. A subsequent procedure revealed a sigmoid colon perforation. Despite 3 additional surgeries to correct the perforation, the woman still complains of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain.
In suing, the woman claimed the that surgeon for the first 2 procedures negligently inserted contrast material into her colon that spilled into her abdominal pelvic region, causing permanent pain.
The doctor argued that the colon damage was a result of adhesions in her colon or from placement of the first instrument in the first procedure. He also claimed that the patient delayed having a pelvic scan via computed tomography.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.35 million.
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with excessive uterine bleeding. The doctor recommended a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Some 3 to 15 days postoperatively, the woman experienced fever and abdominal pain.
In the same month, the patient underwent a procedure to remove an infected pelvic hematoma that allegedly occurred during the first procedure. Three days after this surgery, the woman was hospitalized with a high fever and abdominal pain. A subsequent procedure revealed a sigmoid colon perforation. Despite 3 additional surgeries to correct the perforation, the woman still complains of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain.
In suing, the woman claimed the that surgeon for the first 2 procedures negligently inserted contrast material into her colon that spilled into her abdominal pelvic region, causing permanent pain.
The doctor argued that the colon damage was a result of adhesions in her colon or from placement of the first instrument in the first procedure. He also claimed that the patient delayed having a pelvic scan via computed tomography.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.35 million.
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with excessive uterine bleeding. The doctor recommended a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Some 3 to 15 days postoperatively, the woman experienced fever and abdominal pain.
In the same month, the patient underwent a procedure to remove an infected pelvic hematoma that allegedly occurred during the first procedure. Three days after this surgery, the woman was hospitalized with a high fever and abdominal pain. A subsequent procedure revealed a sigmoid colon perforation. Despite 3 additional surgeries to correct the perforation, the woman still complains of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain.
In suing, the woman claimed the that surgeon for the first 2 procedures negligently inserted contrast material into her colon that spilled into her abdominal pelvic region, causing permanent pain.
The doctor argued that the colon damage was a result of adhesions in her colon or from placement of the first instrument in the first procedure. He also claimed that the patient delayed having a pelvic scan via computed tomography.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.35 million.
Did HRT treatment lead to stroke?
A moderately obese woman began a course of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at age 48. After 4 years of treatment, the postmenopausal woman suffered a stroke, which resulted in permanent speech and cognitive impairment.
In suing, the patient claimed that the doctor increased the treatment dosage to dangerously high levels, causing the stroke. She further alleged that she never should have been placed on HRT due to the fact that her body was already producing too much estrogen.
- The case settled for $425,000.
A moderately obese woman began a course of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at age 48. After 4 years of treatment, the postmenopausal woman suffered a stroke, which resulted in permanent speech and cognitive impairment.
In suing, the patient claimed that the doctor increased the treatment dosage to dangerously high levels, causing the stroke. She further alleged that she never should have been placed on HRT due to the fact that her body was already producing too much estrogen.
- The case settled for $425,000.
A moderately obese woman began a course of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at age 48. After 4 years of treatment, the postmenopausal woman suffered a stroke, which resulted in permanent speech and cognitive impairment.
In suing, the patient claimed that the doctor increased the treatment dosage to dangerously high levels, causing the stroke. She further alleged that she never should have been placed on HRT due to the fact that her body was already producing too much estrogen.
- The case settled for $425,000.
Failure to test for HIV results in infant transmission
<court>Undisclosed County (Mass) District Court</court>
A woman began prenatal care at a clinic and requested a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to a history of swollen glands and prior sexually transmitted diseases. Because she was not told otherwise, she believed she had tested negative for the disease.
A short while later, the woman began treatment at another prenatal care center. During her initial evaluation at the clinic, the woman was examined for her swollen glands. She told the health-care professional that she had tested negative for HIV. However, no HIV test results were in her records. Despite this finding, no HIV test was conducted. She delivered a seemingly healthy baby in June 1995 and was allowed to freely breastfeed the infant.
In late 1995, both mother and child were diagnosed with HIV. The infant was treated with antiretroviral medications, but was hospitalized several times for complications stemming from the medication. The infant’s viral load has varied over his lifetime.
In suing, the mother claimed that the second health-care facility should have followed up care of her swollen glands with an HIV test. If a timely diagnosis had been made, the plaintiff argued, she would not have breastfed her child.
- The case settled for $3 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Undisclosed County (Mass) District Court</court>
A woman began prenatal care at a clinic and requested a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to a history of swollen glands and prior sexually transmitted diseases. Because she was not told otherwise, she believed she had tested negative for the disease.
A short while later, the woman began treatment at another prenatal care center. During her initial evaluation at the clinic, the woman was examined for her swollen glands. She told the health-care professional that she had tested negative for HIV. However, no HIV test results were in her records. Despite this finding, no HIV test was conducted. She delivered a seemingly healthy baby in June 1995 and was allowed to freely breastfeed the infant.
In late 1995, both mother and child were diagnosed with HIV. The infant was treated with antiretroviral medications, but was hospitalized several times for complications stemming from the medication. The infant’s viral load has varied over his lifetime.
In suing, the mother claimed that the second health-care facility should have followed up care of her swollen glands with an HIV test. If a timely diagnosis had been made, the plaintiff argued, she would not have breastfed her child.
- The case settled for $3 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Undisclosed County (Mass) District Court</court>
A woman began prenatal care at a clinic and requested a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to a history of swollen glands and prior sexually transmitted diseases. Because she was not told otherwise, she believed she had tested negative for the disease.
A short while later, the woman began treatment at another prenatal care center. During her initial evaluation at the clinic, the woman was examined for her swollen glands. She told the health-care professional that she had tested negative for HIV. However, no HIV test results were in her records. Despite this finding, no HIV test was conducted. She delivered a seemingly healthy baby in June 1995 and was allowed to freely breastfeed the infant.
In late 1995, both mother and child were diagnosed with HIV. The infant was treated with antiretroviral medications, but was hospitalized several times for complications stemming from the medication. The infant’s viral load has varied over his lifetime.
In suing, the mother claimed that the second health-care facility should have followed up care of her swollen glands with an HIV test. If a timely diagnosis had been made, the plaintiff argued, she would not have breastfed her child.
- The case settled for $3 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
Did untimely breast cancer diagnosis lead to death?
<court>Wise County (Va) Circuit Court</court>
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with a history of amenorrhea, along with breast tenderness and inflammation. The physician treated the patient’s amenorrhea and referred her to a radiologist for a mammography.
The radiologist reported that the mammography and manual breast exam were normal. Shortly after, the woman changed physicians. During a visit, the new doctor found a breast mass and ordered a biopsy. Following the procedure, the woman underwent a right mastectomy, followed by 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation. She subsequently died.
In suing, the patient’s family claimed that if a prompt diagnosis had been made, she would have had a 70% chance of being cured.
The physician maintained that even if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier, the outcome would have been the same.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Wise County (Va) Circuit Court</court>
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with a history of amenorrhea, along with breast tenderness and inflammation. The physician treated the patient’s amenorrhea and referred her to a radiologist for a mammography.
The radiologist reported that the mammography and manual breast exam were normal. Shortly after, the woman changed physicians. During a visit, the new doctor found a breast mass and ordered a biopsy. Following the procedure, the woman underwent a right mastectomy, followed by 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation. She subsequently died.
In suing, the patient’s family claimed that if a prompt diagnosis had been made, she would have had a 70% chance of being cured.
The physician maintained that even if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier, the outcome would have been the same.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Wise County (Va) Circuit Court</court>
A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with a history of amenorrhea, along with breast tenderness and inflammation. The physician treated the patient’s amenorrhea and referred her to a radiologist for a mammography.
The radiologist reported that the mammography and manual breast exam were normal. Shortly after, the woman changed physicians. During a visit, the new doctor found a breast mass and ordered a biopsy. Following the procedure, the woman underwent a right mastectomy, followed by 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation. She subsequently died.
In suing, the patient’s family claimed that if a prompt diagnosis had been made, she would have had a 70% chance of being cured.
The physician maintained that even if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier, the outcome would have been the same.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
Hysterectomy follows delayed treatment of sepsis, ARDS
After delivering her second child, a 26-year-old woman experienced distress and severe pain, which clinicians attributed to pubic symphysitis and hemorrhoids. She was treated with diazepam and pain medication, to little avail.
Despite the patient’s continued complaints of severe pain and a call by the nursing staff requesting his return to the hospital, the obstetrician did not examine the patient, but instead ordered more pain medication. The woman then developed a fever of 101.5°, and her pulse dropped to 70/45. The physician, by phone, ordered a blood culture assay, which was abnormal.
Later that evening another physician was called in and noted that the woman was going into shock. She was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). After stabilizing, she underwent an emergency hysterectomy. For the next 5 weeks she remained in the ICU recovering from group A sepsis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The patient argued that had antibiotics been administered earlier, an emergency hysterectomy could have been avoided.
The obstetrician contended that the infection spread too quickly for surgery to have been prevented.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $625,000.
After delivering her second child, a 26-year-old woman experienced distress and severe pain, which clinicians attributed to pubic symphysitis and hemorrhoids. She was treated with diazepam and pain medication, to little avail.
Despite the patient’s continued complaints of severe pain and a call by the nursing staff requesting his return to the hospital, the obstetrician did not examine the patient, but instead ordered more pain medication. The woman then developed a fever of 101.5°, and her pulse dropped to 70/45. The physician, by phone, ordered a blood culture assay, which was abnormal.
Later that evening another physician was called in and noted that the woman was going into shock. She was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). After stabilizing, she underwent an emergency hysterectomy. For the next 5 weeks she remained in the ICU recovering from group A sepsis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The patient argued that had antibiotics been administered earlier, an emergency hysterectomy could have been avoided.
The obstetrician contended that the infection spread too quickly for surgery to have been prevented.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $625,000.
After delivering her second child, a 26-year-old woman experienced distress and severe pain, which clinicians attributed to pubic symphysitis and hemorrhoids. She was treated with diazepam and pain medication, to little avail.
Despite the patient’s continued complaints of severe pain and a call by the nursing staff requesting his return to the hospital, the obstetrician did not examine the patient, but instead ordered more pain medication. The woman then developed a fever of 101.5°, and her pulse dropped to 70/45. The physician, by phone, ordered a blood culture assay, which was abnormal.
Later that evening another physician was called in and noted that the woman was going into shock. She was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). After stabilizing, she underwent an emergency hysterectomy. For the next 5 weeks she remained in the ICU recovering from group A sepsis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The patient argued that had antibiotics been administered earlier, an emergency hysterectomy could have been avoided.
The obstetrician contended that the infection spread too quickly for surgery to have been prevented.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $625,000.
Rectovaginal fistula follows vaginal delivery
A woman underwent an episiotomy during the delivery of her first child. After the procedure, she developed a rectovaginal fistula and complained of stool coming from her vagina. Her condition continued for 5 years until it was surgically repaired. Postoperatively, the woman was incapacitated for 3 months.
In suing, the woman claimed that the physician failed to recognize that he had cut into her rectum during the episiotomy.
The physician contended that the fistula was caused by either a deep hematoma under the sutures or a subclinical infection that developed from suture granuloma.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A woman underwent an episiotomy during the delivery of her first child. After the procedure, she developed a rectovaginal fistula and complained of stool coming from her vagina. Her condition continued for 5 years until it was surgically repaired. Postoperatively, the woman was incapacitated for 3 months.
In suing, the woman claimed that the physician failed to recognize that he had cut into her rectum during the episiotomy.
The physician contended that the fistula was caused by either a deep hematoma under the sutures or a subclinical infection that developed from suture granuloma.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A woman underwent an episiotomy during the delivery of her first child. After the procedure, she developed a rectovaginal fistula and complained of stool coming from her vagina. Her condition continued for 5 years until it was surgically repaired. Postoperatively, the woman was incapacitated for 3 months.
In suing, the woman claimed that the physician failed to recognize that he had cut into her rectum during the episiotomy.
The physician contended that the fistula was caused by either a deep hematoma under the sutures or a subclinical infection that developed from suture granuloma.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
Did delayed UTI treatment lead to death?
A 67-year-old woman presented to a hospital for total knee replacement surgery. Urine cultures taken prior to the procedure indicated the presence of E. coli, prompting physicians to place her on preoperative antibiotics. Postoperatively, the patient experienced seizures, which a neurologist was called in to control.
She was then admitted to a rehabilitation center where it was discovered that she had a fractured hip. Prior to the surgical repair of her hip, she was treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI) with antibiotics. Postoperatively, she developed seizures and went into renal failure. Results from a urine culture revealed 3 different strains of Pseudomonas, undetected before the surgery. She died soon after.
In suing, the patient’s husband claimed the physicians’ failure to diagnose and treat the Pseudomonas urinary tract infection and to effectively manage her kidney failure caused the woman’s death.
The doctors claimed that the patient did not have a UTI, but rather a colonization or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Further, they contended that the patient’s death was due to complications of her hip fracture.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.2 million.
A 67-year-old woman presented to a hospital for total knee replacement surgery. Urine cultures taken prior to the procedure indicated the presence of E. coli, prompting physicians to place her on preoperative antibiotics. Postoperatively, the patient experienced seizures, which a neurologist was called in to control.
She was then admitted to a rehabilitation center where it was discovered that she had a fractured hip. Prior to the surgical repair of her hip, she was treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI) with antibiotics. Postoperatively, she developed seizures and went into renal failure. Results from a urine culture revealed 3 different strains of Pseudomonas, undetected before the surgery. She died soon after.
In suing, the patient’s husband claimed the physicians’ failure to diagnose and treat the Pseudomonas urinary tract infection and to effectively manage her kidney failure caused the woman’s death.
The doctors claimed that the patient did not have a UTI, but rather a colonization or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Further, they contended that the patient’s death was due to complications of her hip fracture.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.2 million.
A 67-year-old woman presented to a hospital for total knee replacement surgery. Urine cultures taken prior to the procedure indicated the presence of E. coli, prompting physicians to place her on preoperative antibiotics. Postoperatively, the patient experienced seizures, which a neurologist was called in to control.
She was then admitted to a rehabilitation center where it was discovered that she had a fractured hip. Prior to the surgical repair of her hip, she was treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI) with antibiotics. Postoperatively, she developed seizures and went into renal failure. Results from a urine culture revealed 3 different strains of Pseudomonas, undetected before the surgery. She died soon after.
In suing, the patient’s husband claimed the physicians’ failure to diagnose and treat the Pseudomonas urinary tract infection and to effectively manage her kidney failure caused the woman’s death.
The doctors claimed that the patient did not have a UTI, but rather a colonization or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Further, they contended that the patient’s death was due to complications of her hip fracture.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.2 million.
Laminaria discovered in uterus 8 years after abortion
A 19-year-old female presented to a woman’s center for an abortion. On the first day of the 2-day procedure, the physician inserted 3 laminaria into the patient’s vagina in order to stretch the cervix. The following day, a second physician performed the abortion under real-time ultrasound.
Eight years later, the patient experienced severe cramping and bleeding, which led to a laparoscopy. Clinicians discovered that the laminaria used during the abortion remained inside the woman.
In suing, the plaintiff claimed that she suffered cramping and heavy bleeding during menstruation as well as pelvic pain for the full 8 years between the 2 procedures. She contended that the first doctor, who had since deceased, inserted the laminaria into her uterus, rather than her cervix. She further maintained that the physician who performed the abortion was also negligent for not discovering and removing the laminaria.
The doctor who performed the abortion argued the deceased doctor misplaced the laminaria; since there was no trace of them on ultrasound, he assumed they had discharged spontaneously. The defense for the deceased physician claimed the second doctor was fully responsible for not removing the laminaria.
- The jury found both defendants liable and awarded the plaintiff $200,000.
A 19-year-old female presented to a woman’s center for an abortion. On the first day of the 2-day procedure, the physician inserted 3 laminaria into the patient’s vagina in order to stretch the cervix. The following day, a second physician performed the abortion under real-time ultrasound.
Eight years later, the patient experienced severe cramping and bleeding, which led to a laparoscopy. Clinicians discovered that the laminaria used during the abortion remained inside the woman.
In suing, the plaintiff claimed that she suffered cramping and heavy bleeding during menstruation as well as pelvic pain for the full 8 years between the 2 procedures. She contended that the first doctor, who had since deceased, inserted the laminaria into her uterus, rather than her cervix. She further maintained that the physician who performed the abortion was also negligent for not discovering and removing the laminaria.
The doctor who performed the abortion argued the deceased doctor misplaced the laminaria; since there was no trace of them on ultrasound, he assumed they had discharged spontaneously. The defense for the deceased physician claimed the second doctor was fully responsible for not removing the laminaria.
- The jury found both defendants liable and awarded the plaintiff $200,000.
A 19-year-old female presented to a woman’s center for an abortion. On the first day of the 2-day procedure, the physician inserted 3 laminaria into the patient’s vagina in order to stretch the cervix. The following day, a second physician performed the abortion under real-time ultrasound.
Eight years later, the patient experienced severe cramping and bleeding, which led to a laparoscopy. Clinicians discovered that the laminaria used during the abortion remained inside the woman.
In suing, the plaintiff claimed that she suffered cramping and heavy bleeding during menstruation as well as pelvic pain for the full 8 years between the 2 procedures. She contended that the first doctor, who had since deceased, inserted the laminaria into her uterus, rather than her cervix. She further maintained that the physician who performed the abortion was also negligent for not discovering and removing the laminaria.
The doctor who performed the abortion argued the deceased doctor misplaced the laminaria; since there was no trace of them on ultrasound, he assumed they had discharged spontaneously. The defense for the deceased physician claimed the second doctor was fully responsible for not removing the laminaria.
- The jury found both defendants liable and awarded the plaintiff $200,000.
Did incomplete ovary removal lead to residual pain?
A woman underwent an abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy after a long history of uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and pelvic pain.
For a year following the procedure, the patient continued to experience intermittent pelvic and abdominal pain. A laparoscopy revealed a partial left ovary that had not been removed during the initial surgery.
In suing, the woman alleged that the physician was negligent in his performance of the hysterectomy, leaving the cervix intact and failing to completely remove both ovaries. In addition, the doctor failed to notice the presence of ovarian tissue in several postoperative pelvic sonograms. The woman contended that because she had endometriosis, the retained ovarian tissue heightened her pain.
The physician argued that the patient had a distorted pelvic anatomy, with pelvic adhesions that pulled the fallopian tubes and ovaries out of their normal anatomic alignment. During the surgery, he claimed, the adhesions impeded his ability to tell whether he had completely removed the ovaries. Regardless, the doctor maintained that the woman’s residual pain was due to the adhesions, not problems stemming from her hysterectomy.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A woman underwent an abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy after a long history of uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and pelvic pain.
For a year following the procedure, the patient continued to experience intermittent pelvic and abdominal pain. A laparoscopy revealed a partial left ovary that had not been removed during the initial surgery.
In suing, the woman alleged that the physician was negligent in his performance of the hysterectomy, leaving the cervix intact and failing to completely remove both ovaries. In addition, the doctor failed to notice the presence of ovarian tissue in several postoperative pelvic sonograms. The woman contended that because she had endometriosis, the retained ovarian tissue heightened her pain.
The physician argued that the patient had a distorted pelvic anatomy, with pelvic adhesions that pulled the fallopian tubes and ovaries out of their normal anatomic alignment. During the surgery, he claimed, the adhesions impeded his ability to tell whether he had completely removed the ovaries. Regardless, the doctor maintained that the woman’s residual pain was due to the adhesions, not problems stemming from her hysterectomy.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A woman underwent an abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy after a long history of uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and pelvic pain.
For a year following the procedure, the patient continued to experience intermittent pelvic and abdominal pain. A laparoscopy revealed a partial left ovary that had not been removed during the initial surgery.
In suing, the woman alleged that the physician was negligent in his performance of the hysterectomy, leaving the cervix intact and failing to completely remove both ovaries. In addition, the doctor failed to notice the presence of ovarian tissue in several postoperative pelvic sonograms. The woman contended that because she had endometriosis, the retained ovarian tissue heightened her pain.
The physician argued that the patient had a distorted pelvic anatomy, with pelvic adhesions that pulled the fallopian tubes and ovaries out of their normal anatomic alignment. During the surgery, he claimed, the adhesions impeded his ability to tell whether he had completely removed the ovaries. Regardless, the doctor maintained that the woman’s residual pain was due to the adhesions, not problems stemming from her hysterectomy.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
Scarring develops after cauterization of condylomata
<court>Genesee County (Mich) Circuit Court</court>
A 30-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with venereal warts. The physician removed them via cauterization. Following the procedure, the patient developed adhesions. She now has permanent scarring and experiences pain during intercourse.
In suing, the woman claimed that cauterization was unnecessary. In addition, she alleged that if she had received timely followup care, the adhesions could have been rubbed away.
The physician argued that the cauterization was appropriate. Further, he contended that aftercare was indeed scheduled, but the patient failed to make the appointment. The woman’s medical files, however, showed no record of any scheduled follow-up.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $250,000.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Genesee County (Mich) Circuit Court</court>
A 30-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with venereal warts. The physician removed them via cauterization. Following the procedure, the patient developed adhesions. She now has permanent scarring and experiences pain during intercourse.
In suing, the woman claimed that cauterization was unnecessary. In addition, she alleged that if she had received timely followup care, the adhesions could have been rubbed away.
The physician argued that the cauterization was appropriate. Further, he contended that aftercare was indeed scheduled, but the patient failed to make the appointment. The woman’s medical files, however, showed no record of any scheduled follow-up.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $250,000.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Genesee County (Mich) Circuit Court</court>
A 30-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with venereal warts. The physician removed them via cauterization. Following the procedure, the patient developed adhesions. She now has permanent scarring and experiences pain during intercourse.
In suing, the woman claimed that cauterization was unnecessary. In addition, she alleged that if she had received timely followup care, the adhesions could have been rubbed away.
The physician argued that the cauterization was appropriate. Further, he contended that aftercare was indeed scheduled, but the patient failed to make the appointment. The woman’s medical files, however, showed no record of any scheduled follow-up.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $250,000.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.