A malpractice law suit filed against an out-of-state university medical facility has finally been settled after a years-long legal battle, according to court authorities. New Jersey residents may be familiar with the case of an undergraduate student who contracted a flesh-eating disease and filed for medical malpractice after her university allegedly misdiagnosed her. The case has been settled in a claims court.
According to court records, the student approached university health officials in 2007 with regard to her symptoms, but health services at the school failed to realize the woman was suffering from a form of flesh-eating bacteria. The misdiagnosis delayed treatment long enough to necessitate the amputation of her right arm, shoulder blade and shoulder in order to save her life. The university denied culpability in the case.
After filing suit with several local claims and appeals courts, the student’s case was finally ruled in her favor. The university has agreed to pay out the maximum amount allowable in-state for a grievance of this type, $250,000. As part of her ongoing legal battle, she also attempted to challenge the constitutionality of the cap on damages payouts, but she has been unsuccessful so far. The case has now been closed.
Medical malpractice is a serious claim, but a necessary one when a failure to provide adequate service leads to such a traumatic result. New Jersey residents who believe they may have been misdiagnosed for a serious illness are highly encouraged to seek additional medical support. Should additional health issues arise as a result of such a misdiagnosis, it is beneficial to seek out resources for filing a malpractice suit.
Source: The Athens Messenger, “Medical malpractice lawsuit against OU settled,” Steve Robb, Aug. 7, 2013
