Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Verdict Award for Physician Error Causing Wrongful Death
Incidents of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania that lead to wrongful death are caused by various forms of negligence. However, hospitals and medical professionals who provide a substantial standard of care never experience the harsh ramifications of such tragedies. How do you explain to family members that their loved one is gone, and all because of a physician’s mistake or a hospital’s error?
A jury verdict of $1.75 million has been awarded under the Wrongful Death Act and Survival Act to the children and estate executors of a 64-year-old woman who died at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.
A recent news article reports that the woman was given liquid and solid foods even though strict orders were made to refrain from oral feedings. The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawsuit, Garner v. Girard Medical Center, was also filed due to medical professionals failing to implement proper action when the woman’s condition worsened.
The woman had undergone a successful colostomy reversal surgery, but the reintroduction of liquids and solid foods into her diet orally lead to an enterocutaneous fistula. The contamination within her gastrointestinal tract and surgical wound were under control; however, specific and firm orders from the surgeon for the woman to remain at a no oral feedings status were ignored four days later. Since an oral diet was reintroduced too soon, the woman developed serious sepsis, which led to organ failure and ultimately her death.
Michael Monheit is the managing lawyer at Monheit Law, outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has practiced law since 1989. Michael Monheit was the managing attorney of the law offices of Herbert Monheit — now Silverman and Fodera — a firm... Michael Monheit→