Lawsuit claims failure to diagnose led to doctor’s death

When a college student from Maryland elsewhere finally completes his or her studies and is awarded a degree, the world is an exciting place. In May 2013, one young woman from another state had just been awarded her medical degree when she began experiencing painful symptoms. She went to the same hospital that she was scheduled to begin her residency in a few months for treatment. Unfortunately, in a recent lawsuit, the woman’s parents claim the medical staff’s failure to diagnose what they claim was an easily treatable blood clot condition led to her death.

The 26-year-old woman apparently began experiencing dizziness and severe headaches that over-the-counter pain medications failed to alleviate. Additionally, her parents claim that the woman had noticed she was bruising easily. The hospital determined that she was suffering from a relatively insignificant platelet disorder and was treated accordingly. Her parents allege that low staffing due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend prevented the hospital from conducting further testing to determine the cause of her debilitating headaches. Her parents additionally claim that the hospital failed to take a thorough medical history, which would have revealed that she was currently on a birth control medication known to cause blood clots in some women.

It wasn’t until almost two days after she was initially admitted to the hospital that a CT scan was taken. It revealed signs of a blood clot and bleeding on her brain. Her condition continued to worsen, and she was eventually transported to a different medical facility. Upon arrival, it was determined that she had already suffered brain damage that could not be repaired.

The loss of a child is devastating for a parent. However, thinking that their child’s death was likely easily preventable, and believed to be caused by medical professionals’ failure to diagnose easily treatable medical issues, makes a death seem that much more senseless. Anyone in Maryland who feels that he or she, or a deceased family member, is a victim of medical malpractice can seek legal recourse in a civil court. If the claims can be proven, damages that include medical bills and lost wages, among other financial losses, could be awarded. While such an outcome likely won’t alleviate the grief of this family, it may ensure that similar events do not happen again.

Source: timesleader.com, Malpractice suit filed in young doctor’s death, Jerry Lynott, Jan. 8, 2014