In a recent medical malpractice case involving delayed diagnosis, a jury awarded a $10.1 million verdict to a mother who brought suit on behalf of her nearly 7-year-old son. The young boy was only 11-months old when he suffered neurological impairment, hearing loss, and development and learning disabilities after emergency room physicians at a Philadelphia hospital failed to diagnose and treat bacterial meningitis.The suffering of the victim in this case and his family can never truly be compensated for; however, there is some form of solace in holding negligent hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers responsible for their failures to provide proper medical care. At Fronzuto Law Group, we are passionate about cases of medical and pediatric malpractice, considering it our honor to serve on behalf of victims throughout New Jersey. To discuss your case with one of our highly knowledgeable lawyers today, simply contact our offices at 973-435-4551. Consultations are always provided free of charge.
Emergency Room Physicians Failed to Diagnose and Treat Bacterial Meningitis
The plaintiffs in this case, Shantice Tillery and her young son Shamir, brought suit against the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after Shamir made multiple emergency room visits to the hospital between December 21st and December 23rd of 2009. Shamir was first brought the the hospital on December 21st, a visit that, according to the plaintiffs, did not constitute negligence on behalf of the hospital or treating physicians. The problems began when Shamir was returned to the hospital via ambulance on December 22nd and 23rd.
The plaintiffs argued that during Shamir’s subsequent hospital visits, doctors should have pursued other potential diagnoses, as opposed to limiting their scope to respiratory conditions. It is established in the medical community that children between the ages of one month and two years are at a higher risk for bacterial meningitis than people in other age groups. Standard procedure if meningitis is suspected involves testing of blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid. As such, the plaintiffs said that defendants should have ordered blood work and a lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis.
Instead, Shamir’s condition worsened, eventually causing a host of medical problems including: hearing loss, central auditory processing disorder, developmental and learning delays, and balance problems caused by bone growth over his vestibular nerve. Now nearing age 7, Shamir functions at the intellectual level of a 3-year-old.
After a four-week trial, the 12-member jury found the hospital 60 percent liable for Shamir’s injuries, while they found one of the three other defendants, Dr. Monika Goyal, 40 percent liable, as she was the attending physician at the time of Shamir’s second emergency room visit. The $10.1 million verdict includes approximately $1.6 million for future medical expenses, $1.12 million for loss of income, and $7.5 million for non-economic damages, encompassing physical and emotional pain and suffering. For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Jury Finds Against CHOP, ER Doctor Over Delayed Meningitis Diagnosis
Misdiagnosed in a New Jersey Emergency Room?
If you are in need of assistance with a potential lawsuit against emergency room doctors who made mistakes that left you or a loved one injured in New Jersey, please contact our NJ med mal law firm for a free case review. Our team is thoroughly prepared to investigate your specific situation to uncover any and all errors that may have occurred. If you have a valid medical malpractice claim, we provide representation free of charge unless and until we recover financial compensation on your behalf. Call 973-435-4551 or request a free consultation online today.
