Modern medicine has resulted in many previously fatal chronic health conditions now being treated and controlled. As a result, many individuals previously diagnosed with conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure are now able to effectively treat and control their health conditions by taking daily prescription medications.

A medical malpractice lawsuit was recently filed against a doctor for failing to properly monitor a patient. The lawsuit was filed by the daughter of a deceased woman who was the defendant's patient. The woman had suffered a minor stroke and was prescribed the drug Coumadin by the doctor to thin her blood and prevent additional blood clots from forming.

Two years passed and the woman had fully recovered from the stroke and was healthy. Upon the advice of her doctor, the woman continued to take a daily dose of the prescription blood thinner Coumadin. One day, upon attempting to renew her prescription, the woman learned it had expired and that the doctor would not authorize a refill.

Two months passed before the woman was able to see the doctor who originally prescribed the blood thinner. Blood tests showed the woman had no Coumadin in her system. Despite having this knowledge, the doctor did not call in a new prescription for the blood thinner or advise the woman that she should be taking the medication.

Two weeks later, the woman suffered a severe stroke which left her permanently injured and disabled. She required round-the-clock care and was moved into a nursing home. Sadly, she died seven months later.

The woman's daughter has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor claiming he failed to properly monitor the patient's health. The daughter is suing for damages related to loss of care, support counsel and contributions as well as emotional distress and depression resulting from her mother's premature death.

Source: The Southeast Texas Record, "Suit alleges doctor failed to use meds that could have saved woman's life," Kelly Holleran, Feb. 20, 2013