Wrongful Death Lawsuit Ends with $6 Million Verdict

The husband of a 42 year old woman who died from blood clots following simple outpatient knee surgery has been awarded $6 million in damages for her wrongful death.

The victim was referred to an orthopedic surgeon by her primary care physician because she was experiencing pain in her left knee that was getting progressively worse.  After a quick exam, the surgeon gave her an injection to help with the pain and suggested she start physical therapy.

After continued pain, the victim went for a follow-up visit, at which point an MRI was ordered to determine if there was a possible tear in the cartilage.  The results of the MRI revealed a “cartilaginous loose body” behind her knee for which she underwent arthroscopic which lasted less than an hour.  She was sent home right after the procedure.

The next day, the victim’s daughter found her on the bathroom floor, diseased.  An autopsy revealed that the victim had developed deep venous thromboids where she had been operated on, and that these blood clots had traveled to her lung.  She died of a pulmonary embolism.

According to court documents, the surgeon who treated the victim ignored several key risk factors that would indicate the possibility of blood clots forming.  Among these were the patient’s weight, the fact that she had hypertension and that she was on birth control pills.

Because these warning signs were ignored, and because it was also proven that the doctor failed to observe proper post-surgery precautions we have a clear-cut case of medical negligence in her death.  The jury agreed.

Some cases, like this one, are relatively cut and dry, and somewhat easy to prove in court.  Others are much more complicated and therefore more challenging to be successful in litigation.  An experienced medical attorney can review your individual case and help you determine if your claim is worth pursuing, and what kind of chance you have at winning a lawsuit.