Mother and son win $1.3 million in medical malpractice case

Hospitals all have a wide variety of policies in place to keep both their staff and patients as safe and well cared for as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes policies are not always followed as they should be. Some Louisiana residents may have been victims of similar medical malpractice cases where following hospital policy could have prevented much pain and suffering.

A woman’s month-old son was admitted to the hospital with a fever of 102.6 degrees and no other symptoms. The child had no other medical history. While receiving treatment at the hospital, the child suffered IV infiltration, which should have been a preventable condition.

Rather than receiving the medication through an IV drip, the medicine seeped into the surrounding tissue on the back of the child’s hand. The afflicted area became swollen, and painful patches of dead flesh covered the back of the child’s hand due to the effects of the medication. A few days later, the mother and child left the hospital, but child’s hand was permanently scarred and disfigured.

The family’s lawsuit claimed that negligence was ultimately the cause of the child’s injury and pain and suffering. During the proceedings, the hospital argued that the child’s injuries were caused by the progression of his illness. However, the court did not agree. The child was awarded more than one million dollars and the mother more than $135,000.

Mistakes made by medical staff can have long-lasting effects on patients, especially young children. People in Louisiana who believe that they may be victims of medical malpractice could benefit greatly from speaking with a local attorney. Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, both current and future, pain and suffering, or other damages.

Source: thetandd.com, “Mother, son win $1.3 million lawsuit against RMC“, Gene Zaleski, May 12, 2018