Failure to Monitor Liver Enzymes Leading to Fatal Liver Failure
A male patient suffering from debilitating myasthenia gravis was prescribed a medication commonly used to treat the disorder. While effective, this medication is known to carry risks of severe side effects, including potential liver damage. As part of the treatment protocol, the prescribing physician was responsible for regularly monitoring the patient’s liver enzymes and related […]
Surgical Error Leading to Wrist Fusion
A male patient was scheduled for a routine wrist surgery to remove a small bone that was causing him significant pain and loss of mobility. During the procedure, the surgeon mistakenly removed the wrong bone, leaving wrist fusion as the only viable corrective option. Unfortunately, instead of providing the anticipated relief and improved range of […]
Surgical Negligence and Delayed Recognition of Complications
A male patient underwent a scheduled surgery to repair a hiatal hernia and was informed that the procedure was successful. However, he soon experienced extreme pain, nausea, and vomiting, and returned to the emergency room with signs of infection, including an elevated white blood cell count. Despite these concerning symptoms, the surgeon dismissed them for […]
Failure to Prevent and Treat Pressure Ulcer
A male patient with a malignant spinal cord tumor was hospitalized and unable to ambulate independently. During his approximately six-week stay for treatment, his family discovered a severe, unstageable pressure ulcer at the base of his spine. Despite the patient’s inability to walk and reliance on hospital staff for turning and repositioning, there was no […]
Failure to Diagnose and Mismanagement of Cardiac Condition
A male patient presented to the emergency room with an infected hair follicle on his groin. He was admitted to the hospital and placed under the care of a hospitalist who was not board certified and had repeatedly failed the board examinations—an indication of competence, though not a formal requirement. During his hospitalization, the patient […]
Injury during Bathing Assistance
A female resident of a nursing home, suffering from MS, lacked the capability to walk. As part of her care routine, the nursing staff utilized a Hoyer lift to assist her into the shower for bathing. Unfortunately, due to negligence and inattention on the part of the nursing staff, the patient was mistakenly dropped onto […]
Negligence Following Cholecystectomy
A male patient underwent a cholecystectomy and was subsequently discharged. He soon returned to the hospital, experiencing severe abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed that a portion of his small bowel was incarcerated, protruding through an incisional hernia. Despite these findings, the overseeing surgeon did not recognize the severity of the condition and primarily administered […]
Negligence Post Open-Heart Surgery
A male patient, following open-heart surgery, developed a small red lump near his sternum a couple of years post-operation. Examination revealed that a wire used to close his chest during the initial surgery was protruding through his skin. While an additional procedure was performed to clip the wire, the patient’s health declined due to improper […]
Mismanagement of Post-Epidural Complications
A woman in labor opted for an epidural to alleviate pain but experienced a severe headache as a side effect. Although she delivered a healthy baby, her headache persisted. Seeking care at a smaller hospital, a CT scan revealed a serious risk of brain herniation. Upon being transferred to a larger facility, which was aware […]
Misdiagnosis of Bowel Obstruction Following Pancreatic Surgery
A female patient, who sought medical attention following a fall, unexpectedly learned of a mass on her pancreas. Although the mass was benign, the surgeon recommended a comprehensive surgery to remove both her spleen and pancreatic tail due to potential malignancy risks. After the surgery, the patient’s health began to deteriorate, characterized by recurring nausea, […]