When Florida residents go to a doctor’s office or hospital to seek medical treatment, they often expect to receive the best care possible. However, many patients end up disappointed or even upset when missed diagnoses and improper care lead to more serious medical issues. Case in point: A West Virginia man who now suffers from paralysis as well as mental issues from an epidural abscess that a physician failed to treat.
The man and his wife are now filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against the physician for his acts and omissions after the man was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Charleston on July 2011. The man had a large abscess on his spine and according to the couple, the doctor failed to provide proper treatment and care for the abscess. As a result, the man is now paralyzed for life and has suffered significant mental distress as a result.
The man has also suffered a loss of income as a result of the injuries. The couple is seeking financial compensation, along with interest, for an undisclosed amount.
The couple is correct in that the physician does have a duty to provide proper medical care for all medical conditions. However, although a spinal abscess is fairly rare, it is possible that paralysis and other severe conditions can occur from a lack of treatment. Therefore, the couple’s lawyer would have to assess what medical treatment was performed, if any, and determine if the lawsuit is viable.
If you or a loved one have suffered a similar situation, a medical malpractice lawyer can assess the situation and determine if the physician performed the correct procedures under the circumstances. Although everyone should have the right to receive the best medical care possible, hospitals – particularly emergency rooms – are chaotic environments and things do get overlooked.
Source: The West Virginia Record, “Couple sue physician for medical malpractice” Kyla Asbury, Aug. 09, 2013
