CAT Scan Costs Doctor $2.85 Million in Malpractice Suit
Provided by HG.org
A jury in Myrtle Beach, SC has awarded what is expected to be one of the state’s largest judgments in a medical malpractice lawsuit against an orthopedic surgeon whose actions left his patient a paraplegic.
Randy Green and his wife were awarded a combined $2.85 million after a jury determined that Myrtle Beach surgeon Wayne Bauerle negligently ordered Green to be taken from a hospital’s pre-operative holding area for a CAT scan, even though Green’s vital signs were unstable at the time. The hospital also entered into a settlement with the Greens for an undisclosed amount.
Green suffered severe injuries in April 17, 2004, when he was in an automobile accident. His injuries included severed arteries in his forearm. He was rushed to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center after the wreck for surgery to stop the bleeding in his arm, but, while being prepared for surgery, Bauerle ordered a CAT scan of Green's knee. The 30-minute delay caused by the CAT scan led Green to suffer cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Fortunately, Green was resuscitated by an emergency room doctor and an anesthesiologist, but the delay and resulting injuries led to the death of a portion of Green’s spinal cord. Green is now permanently paralyzed from just above the waist down.
According to trial testimony, Green's blood pressure at the time he was sent for the CAT scan was 72 over 56, considered dangerously low by experts who testified at the trial. Green's attorneys argued that Bauerle should have recognized this fact prior to ordering the life-threatening CAT scan. Green's experts testified that the low blood pressure was an indication that the patient was on the verge of a cardiac arrest and that to interrupt the treatment of the arm was negligent. Apparently, even Bauerle's own experts were forced to concede that the patient should not have been diverted from the pre-operative holding area given his vital signs.
Green’s blood pressure and pulse were zero after the cardiac arrest and that Green was without blood flow to his body for between eight minutes and 27 minutes, depending on various witness accounts and medical records.
The jury awarded $2.3 million to Green and another $550,000 to his wife, Ann.
If you have been injured by the negligence of a doctor, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney in your jurisdiction. An attorney will be able to assist you in the preparation of a claim to recover for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, emotional injuries, etc.
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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Green suffered severe injuries in April 17, 2004, when he was in an automobile accident. His injuries included severed arteries in his forearm. He was rushed to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center after the wreck for surgery to stop the bleeding in his arm, but, while being prepared for surgery, Bauerle ordered a CAT scan of Green's knee. The 30-minute delay caused by the CAT scan led Green to suffer cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Fortunately, Green was resuscitated by an emergency room doctor and an anesthesiologist, but the delay and resulting injuries led to the death of a portion of Green’s spinal cord. Green is now permanently paralyzed from just above the waist down.
According to trial testimony, Green's blood pressure at the time he was sent for the CAT scan was 72 over 56, considered dangerously low by experts who testified at the trial. Green's attorneys argued that Bauerle should have recognized this fact prior to ordering the life-threatening CAT scan. Green's experts testified that the low blood pressure was an indication that the patient was on the verge of a cardiac arrest and that to interrupt the treatment of the arm was negligent. Apparently, even Bauerle's own experts were forced to concede that the patient should not have been diverted from the pre-operative holding area given his vital signs.
Green’s blood pressure and pulse were zero after the cardiac arrest and that Green was without blood flow to his body for between eight minutes and 27 minutes, depending on various witness accounts and medical records.
The jury awarded $2.3 million to Green and another $550,000 to his wife, Ann.
If you have been injured by the negligence of a doctor, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney in your jurisdiction. An attorney will be able to assist you in the preparation of a claim to recover for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, emotional injuries, etc.
Copyright HG.org - Google+
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
