Compared to just 20 years ago, medical treatment has improved by leaps and bounds. Thanks to advanced medical technology, new medical research and more knowledgeable medical professionals, many patients are able to effectively treat and, in some instances, cure their medical conditions. Yet, as we have discussed on this blog before, much of this success is dependent upon a doctor’s ability to accurately and timely diagnose a medical condition. Although an early step, a proper diagnosis can make all the difference in an individual’s life.
One Chicago man found this out firsthand, and his family suffered as a result of a local hospital’s failure to diagnose. There, the man, who was a partner at a Chicago law firm, suffered a stroke after medical professionals failed to diagnose him with a brain bleed. The man had apparently gone to the doctor four years ago with complaint of neck pain, nausea, disorientation and headaches. At that time he was only given medication to manage his pain.
According to the lawsuit, the 50-year-old man could have avoided the stroke, caused by a ruptured aneurysm, had medical professionals conducted a CT scan at the time the man made his initial complaints. Instead, he now faces cognitive limitations and significant memory loss. Although he is lucky to survive the incident, he will not be able to live the life he once enjoyed. The man and his family reached a settlement with the hospital, in which the man was awarded $20 million in damages.
Doctors, nurses and hospitals carry a heavy responsibility. They must live up to the standard of care placed upon them so that patients receive the adequate care they deserve. When they fail to give the appropriate level of care and damages result, then a medical malpractice or wrongful death lawsuit may be justified. To learn more about how the legal system may help recover compensation for medical malpractice, lost wages and other losses, victims of negligent medical professionals, or their surviving families, may want to speak with a legal advocate.
Source: Chicago Patch, “Chicago Attorney Awarded $20M in Malpractice Settlement,” Amie Rowland, Nov. 23, 2016
