51-year-old Female Dies from Delayed Resection Surgery to Treat Her Diverticulitis

Type of Injury: Wrongful Death

Type of Case: Medical Malpractice

Settlement Amount: $750,000

Between June 24, 2009 and August 8, 2009, F-51 was admitted to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital on three separate occasions with diagnosed acute, complex diverticulitis. Over the course of those admissions, Plaintiff’s diverticulitis got worse in that it was complicated with a colovesical fistula and an abscess. The colorectal service knew that she needed at surgical treatment (laparoscopic sigmoid resection), but hoped to obtain a colonoscopy before that surgery to rule out cancer.

On August 27, 2009, Plaintiff became weak and unable to stand, paramedics were called and, she was transported, via CFD-EMS, to Holy Cross Hospital. A CT scan was order and showed free air within the abdomen. However, Plaintiff had developed feculent peritonitis and was too unstable for immediate surgery. Surgery was schedule for the following morning. However, in the early morning hours of August 28th, Plaintiff suffered cardiopulmony arrest and died.

The sole next-of-kin at the time of the settlement were Plaintiff’s sons, who recently reached the age of majority.

The above summary is specific to a particular case and is not intended as a projected outcome on any other matter.