Many Kentucky residents think nothing of having to get blood drawn, since it’s such a routine procedure that complications are uncommon. However, one woman developed an abscess, which lead to an infection that required antibiotics and multiple visits to the emergency room. She has filed a hospital malpractice lawsuit for the damages she suffered.
The Louisiana woman suffered pain, scarring, and other effects due to the infection. She is suing for multiple damages, including lost wages, medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of earning capacity, scarring and disfigurement. The Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans is being sued for their failure to diagnose and treat the infection. It is also accused of breach of contract, negligence, and failure to properly train staff.
The woman’s medical issues began on March 5, 2013, when she experienced uterine bleeding. Her doctor ordered blood work, which was drawn from the woman’s left elbow. The woman experienced warmth and pain in the elbow and was prescribed antibiotics.
When the woman went to the ER a week later, she was diagnosed with an abscess in the elbow and cellulitis in the arm. She received additional antibiotic treatment, but it did not help the condition. In fact, by April 2, 2013, the infection had gotten worse. The woman had to return to the ER and receive antibiotics via IV infusion.
An infection can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated right away. It is unfortunate that the woman had to wait nearly a month to get the right antibiotics and see improvement in her health. Medical staff need to be more aware of these issues and not simply brush off these conditions as minor.
If you or someone you love has experienced a serious personal injury or wrongful death due to negligent hospital errors, you have the right to obtain compensation through a Kentucky or Ohio medical malpractice claim. For a completely confidential and free consultation regarding your case, call the experienced Covington and Cincinnati medical malpractice attorneys at TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm today.
Source: The Louisiana Record, “Daughters of Charity target of malpractice suit after patient allegedly develops abscess” Lizzy Fitzsousa, May. 27, 2014