Doctor Denies Fault in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

An Arkansas doctor who is being sued for the wrongful death of a successful advertising agency owner is denying any responsibility in the man’s death and placing the blame back on the patient claiming he ignored medical advice and neglected to seek follow-up treatment.

Dr. Stephen Hennigan, among others, is being named in the lawsuit claiming that he failed to address patient Gregg Ogden’s repeated complaints of constipation just prior to his death two years ago.  The suit claims that rather than investigating the pain and symptoms that Ogden was experiencing, the doctor merely treated him for chronic constipation.

What Ogden really had was a perforated bowel.  The perforation was repaired soon after it was discovered, but by that time the resulting leakage caused sepsis.  This deadly infection ultimately caused Ogden’s organs to shut down, and he suffered renal and respiratory failure.  He died just a few days later.

Dr. Hennigan, who denies being Ogden’s primary care physician, claims that the patient died not as a result of medical negligence, but because he repeatedly refused follow-up treatment and did not take his medication regularly.

Ultimately it will be up to a jury to decide.

Ogden’s estate is suing for an undisclosed amount for his wrongful death.