Unfortunately, negligent medical care continues to be a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. Medical malpractice does not discriminate and can affect any patient in Kentucky. Famous astronaut Neil Armstrong tragically passed away a few years ago due to what his family believed was medical malpractice and they filed a lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Armstrong underwent a cardiac bypass surgery, which was successful. After the surgery, however, it was asserted that his blood pressure dropped and he began to bleed internally. Apparently, nurses removed some temporary wires from Armstrong’s pacemaker, which the lawsuit claimed caused the internal bleeding.
Investigators said the hospital staff decided to take Armstrong to a catheterization lab in order to remove the blood instead of taking him straight to the operating room. Allegedly, this is what led to his death. He was 82 years old at the time of his passing. Armstrong’s two sons filed the lawsuit, seeking to hold the hospital responsible for their father’s death and accused providers of medical negligence. Reportedly, the lawsuit was settled with Armstrong’s family receiving a total of $6 million.
Every day, thousands of people across the country place their lives in the hands of physicians and nurses. Any mistake, no matter how minor, can have catastrophic consequences for patients. Families in Kentucky who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to medical malpractice could benefit from discussions with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. A lawsuit, if successful, could provide families with substantial compensation to help them pay end-of-life expenses and to cover other damages incurred.