3 Unbelievable Medical Malpractices Cases from a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on March 12, 2019
Though surprising as it may be, medical malpractice occurs more often than we would like to think. Just recently, the Kentucky Supreme Court rejected a law requiring a panel of doctors to review medical malpractice cases before they go to court because it would be in violation of a victim’s state constitutional right for immediate access to the courts.
When it comes to receiving medical treatment of any kind, it’s important to know your rights and keep a paper trail. In order to prove medical malpractice, it must be established that a doctor, hospital, or another official in the healthcare field caused injury to a person through negligence or omission.
Here are 3 unbelievable cases of medical malpractice that showcase the many trials and errors of medical malpractice law:
1. $29.5 million
40 year old Carrie DeJongh of Iowa, passed away on June 9, 2015 at the Sioux Center Community Health Center. DeJongh had an allergic reaction to dye given to her during a CT scan. After going into anaphylactic shock and losing consciousness, she was given Benadryl. No vital signs were taken, nor was medicine that would have reversed her condition administered.
After seeking a medical malpractice case, the verdict was decided in her family’s favor. 1.5 million in damages was awarded for DeJongh’s pain and suffering before her death. $5.5 million was given to each of her four children and $6 million to her husband for their loss of a parent and spouse.
2. $4.2 million
22 year old Lacey Povrzenich of Pennsylvania received compensation after a medical malpractice suit demonstrated her doctor’s many failures to diagnose a kidney impairment.
Povrzenich had a history of urinary tract infections from childhood. Even though her doctor ordered blood work that then indicated kidney failure, nothing was done. Additionally, nothing was done after two abnormal blood pressure readings.
It wasn’t until she was flown to a Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital, that Povrzenich was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. The lawsuit determined that Povrzenich’s condition required a transplant 8 years prior to when she actually received one. The $4.2 million therefore covered medical expenses both past, present and future, as well as pain and suffering.
3. $2.2 million
Recently, a medical malpractice suit was filed against NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for the unauthorized filming of a patient. 83 year old Korean War veteran, Mark Chanko’s death was filmed and aired on ABC’s “NY Med.”
Even after a medical professional asked that filming stop, the hospital allowed it to continue. The filming was without the consent of the patient or his family. Chanko’s wife wasn’t aware of the filming until she watched it on TV. The family hopes that the $2.2 million dollar verdict will help further protect the rights of patients when it comes to filming medical reality shows.
If you feel that you have been a victim of medical malpractice, contact the attorneys at Cooper & Friedman today by calling 502-459-7555 or visiting our Contact Us page. Cooper and Friedman, Attorneys at Law, have over 45 years of combined experience in medical malpractice law. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for victims of medical malpractice in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Contact us for a free case consultation.