Recently, a jury awarded $35.4 million to a woman who severely suffered as the result of medical malpractice.
When 35-year-old Andrea Larkin sought treatment for dizziness in 2004, MRI and CAT scans showed that she had brain abnormalities. Proper medical procedure (standard of care) requires that any time a patient show that they have this condition; their information must be placed in a database so that other doctors (at other hospitals) can access this information in the future.
However, when Larkin returned to the hospital several years later to give birth to her daughter, because her name was (negligently) never placed in that database, the doctors did not realize that it was dangerous for her to go into labor (people with her medical condition are typically given a caesarean section instead to avoid going into labor), and she suffered a massive stroke several hours after giving birth. This left her completely paralyzed (except for her right arm). Larkin now cannot work because she is extremely disabled and requires 24-hour care, which will likely be permanent.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when doctor or other medical professional harms a patient because of a negligent act or omission. Negligence by a medical professional may include errors in diagnosis, treatment, or illness management.
Death by medical malpractice mistakes has hit new records in the last few years. Preventable errors are the number three killer in the U.S. Larkin was one of the thousands of cases involving serious complications from medical errors that take place on a daily basis. Information technology has been cited as a huge issue in many of these cases, whereby investments in this technology have not improved patient safety and productivity. The existence of a shared database, for example, is useless if someone forgets to enter crucial information into it. Patient safety officials that have testified at Senate hearings have cited information technology as a focus for how to solve the crisis.
In addition, facilities close to home have had their fair share of medical malpractice claims. For example, recently a woman filed suit against Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, claiming that she entered the ER with stroke-like symptoms, and the doctors did nothing. Failure to recognize a large blood clot in her artery led her to subsequently suffer from several strokes. She is now seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain, medical expenses, and lost wages and disability.
Harrell & Nowak
The attorneys at Harrell & Nowak have been representing victims of medical malpractice in successful cases for years. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and commitment necessary to pursue these claims and represent you for any suffering you have incurred as the result of medical error. Contact our New Orleans firm today for a free, confidential consultation.