When someone consults a doctor for any kind of medical condition, that individual assumes that he or she will receive quality and efficient medical care. Those in Pennsylvania who are sick or need treatment place their trust in the hands of capable providers. However, any missed step or error by the physician can have life-altering, and sometimes life-ending, implications for the patient.
Alleged medical malpractice
Recently, a woman in another state filed a lawsuit after her husband died due to alleged medical malpractice. According to the lawsuit, the man became very sick and began experiencing severe weakness and chest pains. The plaintiff spoke with a nurse who scheduled a call with the man’s doctor instead of sending him to an emergency room or to see a practitioner. Allegedly, the call lasted only three minutes, and the man was told to take over-the-counter medicines and call back if his symptoms worsened.
Substantial award
The lawsuit said the wife drove her husband to an emergency room the following morning where it was determined that he was suffering from a severe case of community-acquired pneumonia and an MRSA infection. He also suffered acute respiratory failure, renal failure and septic shock. According to claims, the man started taking multiple antibiotics but the disease was too advanced and he died. The plaintiff was awarded nearly $3 million in the lawsuit.
Patients place their trust and lives in the hands of their doctors and medical providers. It can be absolutely devastating when a certain standard of care is not provided. Those in Pennsylvania who have suffered injuries or the loss of a dear loved one due to medical malpractice reserve the right to take action and speak with an attorney. A successful medical malpractice lawsuit could result in a substantial monetary award to ease the pain and suffering of victims and families.