Most people don't like going to the doctor and only do so when absolutely necessary. When a person exhibits odd symptoms or is experiencing pain or discomfort they often seek professional medical advice. Patients rely upon the skills and expertise of doctors and nurses and entrust their health, wellbeing and lives to these medical professionals.
A woman was recently awarded a $2.3 million dollar settlement by an Ohio university related to injuries she suffered that left her partially paralyzed. According to court documents, the woman sought medical care at a hospital affiliated with the university after experiencing worrisome symptoms that included shoulder pain and a high fever.
Doctors ordered a series of tests to determine possible causes for the woman's symptoms. The woman was subsequently discharged from the hospital, prior to the test results being available and without a diagnosis. A doctor at the hospital was provided with the test results which indicated the woman was suffering from a serious infection. Despite this information, however, the doctor failed to notify the woman or take any additional action.
One week after first seeking medical advice and treatment, the woman again went to the hospital. This time, she was diagnosed as having a serious and progressive spinal infection. Unfortunately, by the time the woman's condition was formally diagnosed, she had already suffered severe and permanent damage that even emergency spinal surgery could not repair.
Today, the 50-year-old woman is a paraplegic who must rely upon a wheelchair for mobility. She filed medical malpractice lawsuits against both the hospital that failed to diagnose her condition as well as the Ohio university that serves as a teaching institution for family practitioners. The settlement of $2.3 million from the university will help provide funds needed to make renovations to the woman's home to make it handicapped accessible.
Source: University Herald, "University of Cincinnati Settles a Medical Negligence Suit for $2.3 Million with Paralyzed Clinton County Woman," Stephen Adkins, Nov. 5, 2013