Negligence on the part of a doctor has been found to be the cause of a stroke suffered by an out-of-state man in 2007. The resulting medical malpractice suit was ruled in favor of the man and his wife, and they have been awarded a settlement of $6.4 million in damages. New Jersey residents understand the seriousness of a failure on the part of medical professionals to properly diagnose and treat an illness, so this comes as good news for anyone currently pursuing a malpractice suit.
The 59-year-old man and his wife first approached the court system after an infection the man contracted allegedly caused him to have an acute stroke back in 2007. He had been previously diagnosed ten years prior with a condition called mitral valve prolapse, which can cause blood to flow improperly through the heart. According to the couple, the man’s attending doctor did not schedule appropriate cardiograms after 2001, nor did he ever refer the man to a cardiologist for further testing.
In April of 2007, the man fell deeply ill, complaining of pain, fatigue and loss of appetite. The couple alleges the doctor advised against checking into a hospital, instead suggesting they wait for results of a hematology test. In June of the same year, the man suffered an acute stroke that has left him without the use of one side of his body; a stroke that experts say was caused by an infection that would have been caught if the doctor in charge had arranged for the appropriate tests. The court found in favor of the couple and they were awarded a total of $6.4 million in damages.
New Jersey residents understand that a medical malpractice damages settlement is often no replacement for a loss in quality of life due to a preventable medical issue. However, seeing a settlement awarded is an expression of justice being served and can help with related medical bills in the future. Anyone who believes they may have been misdiagnosed may find that they have the right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit in order to seek financial restitution.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Maryland Heights couple win $6.4 million medical malpractice verdict,” Walter Moskop, July 9, 2013
