Overview
A middle-aged husband died from internal bleeding after being mistakenly released from a hospital emergency department while suffering from an open ulcer. A lawsuit was brought against the emergency room physicians on behalf of his surviving spouse, resulting in a settlement of more than $200,000 before trial.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement: More than $200,000
- Accident Type: N/A
- Primary Injury: Internal bleeding from an open ulcer
- Additional Injuries: None specified
- Resolution Method: Settlement prior to trial
- Notable Legal Issues: The patient was mistakenly released from the emergency department while bleeding internally
- Medical Treatment: Emergency department care; specific treatment details are not provided
- Long-Term Impact: The husband died from internal bleeding
The Case
A middle-aged husband attended a hospital emergency department while suffering from internal bleeding caused by an open ulcer. He was mistakenly released from the hospital despite his condition.
The following day, a physician reviewed the man’s x-rays, identified the error, and attempted to contact him. Police eventually located him at his home, but he had already died from internal bleeding earlier that day.
A lawsuit was brought against the emergency room physicians on behalf of the man’s surviving spouse. The medical malpractice claim was resolved before trial for a settlement of more than $200,000.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the serious consequences that can follow when a patient with an urgent medical condition is mistakenly released from an emergency department. In this case, the error was not identified until a physician reviewed the patient’s x-rays the following day.
The resolution also demonstrates how a medical malpractice claim involving a patient’s death can be resolved through a settlement before proceeding to trial.