A recent medical malpractice lawsuit filed against Ohio University medical college underscores the dangers of preventable medical errors. In this medical negligence case, a young boy sustained serious severe and permanent injuries as the result of the failure of a physician to timely treat and diagnose an ear infection.
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, hospital or other health care professional fails to act in accordance with the standard of care for the profession and harm occurs. In these instances, the health care provider may be found responsible and liable to the patient and his or her family for damages caused by the negligent actions (or failures to act).
Medical malpractice may be based on any number of medical errors involving carelessness, recklessness or negligence. In this instance, the basis for the lawsuit was the failure to timely diagnose and treat the ear infection, and/or subsequently diagnose and treat the resulting mastodiditis, meningitis and cerebral edema. Based on the alleged negligence, the boy has suffered significant additional medical complications, including muscle atrophy and immobility, impaired cognition and incontinence. According to the lawsuit, the boy now requires "total care of all activities of daily living" including requiring breathing and feeding tubes. "Said injuries have caused him significant pain and suffering and mental anguish, and will continue to do so in the future due to the permanent nature of his injuries."
The lawsuit seeks damages to help pay for ongoing medical treatment and to compensate the boy and his family for the suffering that such negligence has caused.
For more information about medical malpractice, or if you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed as the result of a medical error, please contact the experienced Los Angeles medical malpractice attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
