Wrongful Death And Survival Action For Failure To Diagnose And Treat Severe Sepsis
Lawsuit Against Amita Health Adventist Medical Center | March 18, 2020
On March 18, 2020, WVFK&N attorneys Jim Rollins filed a medical malpractice claim on behalf of the family and estate of a man who died as a result of the defendants’ failure to diagnose or treat the man’s severe sepsis.
The complaint alleges that the patient presented to the emergency department at Amita Health Adventist Medical Center on April 2, 2018 with complaints of shortness of breath, cough, and fever. An initial evaluation revealed a left mid-lobe infiltrate. Laboratory findings revealed a white blood cell count of 7,000 with a left shift, elevated lactic acid of 2.2, elevated creatine of 2.29, and other concerning findings. He was also found to have a heart rate of 104. Despite these findings, the patient was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, rather than severe sepsis. No further evaluation for sepsis was completed. Repeat laboratory findings remained consistent with sepsis, however, the defendants still failed to diagnose sepsis. The defendants then recommended that the patient be discharged from the hospital. Prior to discharge, the patient’s heart rate dropped to 48, however, none of the doctors were notified of this bradycardia. The patient’s respiratory rate then dropped to 24, however, none of the doctors were notified of this finding either. The patient’s daughter entered the room and found that the patient had visibly changed colors, was unable to speak, and was pointing at his throat and at the nurse. The nurse then left the room to get help but did not return, forcing the patient’s daughter to go find the nurse. The nurse then called the rapid response team to resuscitate the patient, however, they were unable to resuscitate him and he died.
The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the defendants negligently failed to recognize, diagnose, or treat the patient’s sepsis, and that this negligence ultimately caused the patient’s death.
The action is pending in the Circuit Court for Cook County, Illinois.
