Wrongful Death – $675,000

On September 7, 2000, the plaintiff, a young man 20 years old, began complaining of chest pain and severe headaches with associated nausea and vomiting.  Prior medical history included obesity and recent onset of insulin dependent diabetes.

Plaintiff presented to his local hospital’s emergency room for evaluation and treatment.  Laboratory testing revealed that his glucose and “blood work” were “fine.” and he was prescribed Prilosec and discharged home.

On September 11, 2000, with continuing complaints of severe headache, vomiting and inability to keep food or fluids down, plaintiff returned to same emergency room.  Although his blood sugar was noted to be significantly elevated, plaintiff was instructed to take Mylanta and again discharged to home.

Once at home, plaintiff’s mother noted that her son was disoriented.  She transported him back to the hospital where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for evaluation.

On September 12, 1999, plaintiff suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest.  He was intubated and placed on a ventilator.  His kidneys failed, and he was started on hemodialysis.  With progressive multiple organ failure, the plaintiff died on September 15, 2000.

Plaintiff’s mother filed suit against two doctors claiming first that the defendant ER physician negligently discharged her son when he was experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis – a life threatening condition.  Plaintiff’s mother also alleged that the defendant family physician (the same physician who ultimately admitted her son to the hospital) negligently managed her son’s medical care while he was in the Intensive Care Unit.

The case settled shortly before trial and after a failed mediation.