Sullivan Papain Secures $1.3 Million Settlement in Wrongful Death Case
Sullivan Papain is proud to announce a $1,300,000 settlement obtained by attorney Elizabeth Montesano in a deeply tragic medical malpractice and wrongful death matter. The case centered on a 75-year-old retired man who lost his life after multiple hospital providers failed to review and act upon a critical radiology result that clearly identified a life-threatening condition.
The patient arrived at a local hospital’s emergency department with sudden lower abdominal pain and urinary retention. Although staff initially suspected a urinary tract infection, that diagnosis was quickly ruled out when laboratory results returned negative. Despite the absence of a clear diagnosis, his worsening symptoms, and declining laboratory values, no diagnostic testing was conducted for the first two days of his hospital admission.
On the third day, a STAT CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was finally ordered. The radiologist promptly interpreted the scan and identified a large bowel obstruction caused by a volvulus, a dangerous twisting of the intestine that can rapidly cut off blood supply. Recognizing the urgent nature of this finding, the radiologist issued an immediate written report and directly notified the ordering physician, documenting both the communication and the critical value designation.
However, despite receiving this urgent information, the physician who ordered the test took no action and ended the shift without initiating treatment. At that moment, the patient’s condition could likely have been addressed through a minimally invasive colonoscopic decompression.
The incoming night-shift physician also failed to review the patient’s chart and remained unaware of the CT scan results. Over the next twelve hours, despite multiple bedside visits, no steps were taken to investigate the patient’s worsening abdominal pain.
By the time the daytime medical team reviewed the chart the following morning, the patient’s bowel had ruptured, leading to septic shock, cardiac arrest, and ultimately his death.
Following a detailed investigation and expert evaluation, Ms. Montesano filed suit on behalf of the patient’s family, seeking justice for the profound and preventable loss. After key depositions were completed, the defendants entered settlement negotiations, resulting in a $1.3 million resolution.
Learn More About Firm Member Elizabeth Montesano
Elizabeth Montesano, a firm member, is a vigorous advocate for people injured due to medical malpractice. Ms. Montesano handles all types of medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries, delays in cancer diagnosis, and surgical and cardiac cases.
To learn more about firm Member Elizabeth Montesano, click here.