Advances in medical technology have made it easier to more reliably diagnose medical conditions in Texas and across the country. As a result, relatively minor conditions that interfere with a person's daily life can now be diagnosed and properly treated. Unfortunately, one man who was undergoing a routine procedure lost his life due to medical malpractice, according to a hospital negligence lawsuit that has recently been settled.
The lawsuit was filed by the deceased 37-year-old man's wife. According to court papers, he underwent an endoscopy in 2013 in order to determine the cause of his problem swallowing. As part of the procedure, the man was placed under sedation but remained conscious.
Unfortunately, the man died following the procedure as a result of a brain injury allegedly caused by a lack of oxygen. An autopsy revealed that he died as a result of the brain injury. The lawsuit claims that the man was given double the dose of sedative ordered and that he was improperly monitored during the procedure. The lawsuit against the hospital, which does not use anesthesiologists or nurse anesthesia as part of endoscopies, was recently settled. While the amount of the settlement was undisclosed, some reports indicate that it was at least $3.75 million.
Instances of hospital negligence often end in tragedy and many could have been prevented had the hospitals involved added extra precautions. Unfortunately, an out-of-state family is now left coping with both the emotional and financial complications of an unexpected death. Because of their lawsuit, however, they can not only receive help with medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs, but they could also initiate changes that could protect future patients. Victims in Texas also have the option of pursuing justice against medical malpractice in civil court. Get a consultation with our medical malpractice lawyer San Antonio by calling us at (210) 361-2997.