Kentucky residents that seek treatment for a heart attack likely do not imagine that it could result in the loss of a limb. Unfortunately for one man in another state, he is now short five fingers and his hand. He has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctors who handled his care, and he is asking for $100 million for his pain and suffering.
The 40-year-old man’s ordeal began with a heart attack. During the process of getting treated for his heart condition, he became ill with pneumonia. Although a heart attack and pneumonia are certainly serious health conditions, the pneumonia turned into a more serious life-threatening infection. In order to monitor the man’s fragile condition, doctors determined that he would benefit from a special arterial line. The line would allow doctors to more accurately control and monitor his blood pressure.
Instead of the blood pressure line benefiting the man, it likely resulted in his hand amputation. After placement of the blood pressure line, his arm and hand began to slowly turn black and became infected. Although he was sedated, he recalls many doctors discussing his arm and a nurse questioning the location of the blood pressure line. Prior to the amputation, medical professionals did attempt to unsuccessfully treat the man for the gangrene infection.
The amputee reports not being able to hold his 3-year-old daughter as he did prior to the ordeal, and he has not been able to work his job where he parked cars. In addition to emotional trauma, patients who have suffered similar unnecessary complications as a result of possible negligence may also experience unexpected and expensive medical bills. Victims who are not able to generate income in conjunction with additional bills will certainly experience significant financial stress. Medical malpractice attorneys in Kentucky can advise any patient of available legal rights and options in civil court for possible compensation to relieve financial burden.
Source:Â nydailynews.com, “Queens man loses his hand after doctors botched blood pressure check, now plans to sue“, Christina Carrega and Leonard Greene, June 22, 2017