Persistent injuries that appear fairly benign may in fact stem from very serious underlying health problems. Such was the case when a 21-year-old man sought treatment for a knee injury and ended up dying. The young man’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital where their son was treated citing negligence and failure to diagnose.

After injuring his knee while playing a sport, the man sought medical treatment. In severe pain and unable to stand, hospital staff treated the man’s symptoms and released him. A week later the man returned to the hospital for a routine follow-up visit at which time medical staff performed a routine examine and released him. He died later that night.

The man had developed a blood clot in his injured knee and suffered a pulmonary embolism as a result. In their lawsuit, the man’s parents allege that the hospital as well three employees are negligent in failing to adequately diagnose and treat their son’s condition.

The man’s parents are seeking compensation in the amount of $8 million each. They contend the amount sought is just compensation for the medical and funeral expenses they incurred as well as lost future wages and general pain and suffering.

Family members who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or inaction of a doctor or medical facility would be wise to seek legal advice. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help determine if a case warrants legal action and possible litigation.

Source: The Dallas Morning News, “Parents of engineering student sue UT Arlington, claiming treatment at school clinic led to his death,” Matt Peterson, Dec. 4, 2012