Sullivan Papain’s Secures $6.3 Million Settlement in Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Case

Sullivan Papain’s Eleni Coffinas recently obtained a $6,300,000 settlement for the family of a 44-year-old woman who tragically passed away following a series of critical failures in emergency medical care. The case highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when urgent symptoms are not thoroughly investigated and timely intervention is delayed.

Nine days after giving birth, the patient arrived at an emergency room in the early afternoon with a severe headache. Despite reporting intense and escalating pain, she was not seen by an emergency room physician for about 5 hours. Before seeing any physician, she was given a single headache medication, but her symptoms continued to worsen. 

Recognizing the possibility of postpartum preeclampsia, a known condition that can cause dangerous neurological complications, the ER doctor consulted with an attending physician on the labor and delivery floor. They agreed the patient should be transferred for further evaluation. However, what should have been an urgent transition instead took 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing her symptoms to progress unchecked.

Throughout her time in the ER and for approximately 7 hours on the labor and delivery floor, the patient’s condition deteriorated. She experienced worsening head pain, sensitivity to light, and increasing disorientation. Despite these warning signs, no CT scan was performed, a critical omission that prevented providers from identifying a life-threatening neurological emergency.

Nearly 15 hours after she first presented to the emergency room for help, the patient suffered a seizure. Only then was a CT scan finally ordered and performed, revealing a large intracranial hemorrhage. She was soon pronounced brain dead and passed away a few days later.

Learn More About Firm Member Eleni Coffinas

Eleni Coffinas, a member of the firm, is a vigorous advocate for people injured due to medical malpractice. Her legal skills and experience have helped her clients achieve many multimillion-dollar settlements. Ms. Coffinas handles all types of medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries, cancer diagnosis delay, and surgical and cardiac cases.

To learn more about Firm Member Eleni Coffinas, click here.