Parents claim that medical malpractice contributed to son’s death

Many Louisiana parents with children who suffer from developmental problems worry that their children will suffer a premature death as a result of those conditions. The care and advice given by doctors and other medical professionals goes a long way to help ease some of these worries. However, sometimes after the death of someone suffering from a developmental disorder, families do not believe that everything that could have been done to prevent their loved one’s death. The family of a 16-year-old boy claims that medical malpractice contributed to the boy’s untimely demise.

Earlier this month, a teenage boy was found dead in a minivan in the parking lot of his high school. He had apparently called the police claiming that he was trapped in the van, but by the time the police arrived, he had already passed away. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation due to chest compression.

The boy reportedly suffered from spinal development problems most of his life, including scoliosis and kyphosis. From an early age, he saw doctors and surgeons, wore braces and attended regular therapy sessions. He also had a history of epidural hematoma, which is a bleeding of the brain’s outer membrane. The family has also stated that he suffered greatly in other ways due to his condition. They claim that he suffered injuries, diminished quality of life, disfigurement, and general discomfort, all of which they also claim would have continued to affect him later in life.

At one point, the family even tried to sue a hospital for medical malpractice. They claimed that the doctors ignored the symptoms of a hemorrhage and failed to order tests that might have helped to catch it earlier. Although this case was eventually dismissed, the family still believes that the boy’s underlying medical conditions at least partially contributed to his death.

Louisiana patients or families of patients rely on the knowledge and care of doctors and other medical professionals to cope with both long- and short-term illnesses. Victims of medical malpractice may wish to discuss any possible civil claims with an attorney. Following a successfully navigated medical malpractice claim, the victims or their families may receive compensation for medical and rehabilitation costs or funeral costs, if applicable.

Source: wcpo.com, “Kyle Plush: Teen found dead in minivan suffered from spine problems“, April 12, 2018