Doctors and medical professionals often practice based off a common definition of what is and is not normal. For example, there is a medically normal range that a patient's blood pressure should fall within. Those individuals who fall outside that range are often diagnosed as having high or low blood pressure and additional tests may be necessary to determine the cause.
Upon visiting the doctor, a nurse typically takes a patient's blood pressure and heart rate. These vital statistics are often key indicators that something more serious may be wrong. When examining an infant, special attention must be paid to any and all abnormal readings as early detection and intervention is often key to ensuring for a favorable long-term outcome.
A jury recently awarded the parents of a five-year-old girl with severe brain damage a $7 million dollar settlement. The trial came after the couple accused a doctor and hospital of medical malpractice for failing to take action regarding their daughter's abnormal heart rate.
Upon the girl's birth in 2008, she seemed healthy. However, the girl suffered from a heart condition which quickly progressed shortly after her birth. At two separate follow-up visits, the infant's heart rate was noted as being above what's considered the healthy and normal range. However, despite signs that something may be wrong, the doctor did not perform additional tests or recommend she see a cardiologist.
As a result, the girl's condition went undiagnosed until the day her mother noticed she was having difficulty breathing and called an ambulance. While en route to the hospital, paramedics were forced to revive the girl and her heart also stopped beating during emergency surgery. She suffered severe permanent brain damage.
A jury recently agreed that the defendants were guilty of medical malpractice in failing to take action given the girl's abnormal heart rate. With her whole life ahead of her, the money will go towards helping provide for the girl's future living and medical needs.
Source: Cumberland Times-News, "Jury renders multi-million verdict in malpractice lawsuit," Matthew Bieniek, Oct. 25, 2013