Kentucky residents have access to some of the best medical care available in the country. Despite this, medical malpractice continues to be one of the leading causes of injury and death. Often, diagnosing and treating a disease or ailment in a quick, efficient and timely manner is the most important thing when it comes to the survival of the patient. Tragically, a man in another state died due an alleged delay in treatment and his family has filed a lawsuit.
The lawsuit asserts that the man suffered from abdominal disease and was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance in excruciating pain. After waiting for two hours in the emergency room, a specialist confirmed that the man had suffered a puncture of his small bowl and needed emergency surgery, according to the claim. The family claims the hospital contacted the on-call surgeon who said he would come to the hospital as soon as possible.
Allegedly, the surgeon did not arrive at the hospital until four hours later despite multiple attempts to contact him. According to the lawsuit, the patient had gone into septic shock by the time the surgeon arrived. The family claims the man could have been saved if the surgeon had arrived and performed the surgery in a timely manner. The family seeks an unspecified amount in damages for the alleged negligence that led to the death of their family member.
Doctors and surgeons are required and expected to provide timely and sufficient care to sick patients. Any delay in treatment can cost an ailing patient his or her life. Kentucky families that have lost a loved one as a result of medical malpractice can pursue legal action. Much-needed compensation and a sense of justice can come from a successfully litigated lawsuit.
Source: nbclosangeles.com, “South Bay Family Blames Hospital, Surgeon for Loved One’s Death“, Paul Krueger, Dec. 29, 2017