When people seek medical treatment, they expect to receive the proper diagnosis and care. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always occur. The result can be life-altering illness or even worse. In Kentucky’s neighboring state of Ohio, a woman sued the University of Cincinnati and others after a failure to diagnose a serious infection in 2006 that left her in a wheelchair.
According to reports, the woman, now 57, went to Clinton Memorial Hospital twice with complaints of a cough, right shoulder pain and a fever of 103. She was discharged both times, and blood culture test results indicating that she had a serious infection went ignored by her doctor.
She went to a different hospital, where she found out she had a spinal epidural abscess. The hospital performed emergency surgery, but as a result, she is in a wheelchair. According to the lawsuit, the woman had to undergo many procedures that were painful, has incurred mental distress and will be completely disabled for the rest of her life.
The woman and her husband plan on renovating their home in order to make it easier for her to get around in a wheelchair. They are also considering hiring someone to care for her 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Clinton Memorial Hospital was where the medical negligence occurred, according to the lawsuit, but the university was sued because it has a residency program at the hospital.
Those who are injured or families of those who die as a result of a failure to diagnose have a right to seek compensation for a variety of claims, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. Personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and options during this difficult time.
Source: universityherald.com, “University of Cincinnati Settles a Medical Negligence Suit for $2.3 Million with Paralyzed Clinton County Woman” Stephen Adkins, Nov. 05, 2013
