Partner Eric Schwarz Obtains $1 Million Settlement in Medical Malpractice Case

Firm Partner Eric Schwarz obtained a settlement totaling $1 million for a victim of medical malpractice after they suffered an unexpected loss of vital signs during a gastroenterology procedure.

Patient Suffers Brain Injury After Loss of Vital Signs During Gastrointestinal Procedure

A 43-year-old married woman with adult children presented to the emergency room with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. She received a diagnosis of pancreatitis and was placed on a dietary restriction of receiving no oral intake.

On the third day of her admission, the patient was taken to a gastroenterology procedure room for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). About 30 minutes into the ERCP procedure, the patient suffered an unexpected loss of vital signs. There was an approximate five-minute delay in calling a code and the initiation of resuscitative efforts. The patient’s vital signs did return to normal—however, not before she suffered a hypoxic brain injury and was entered into a medically induced coma while cooling protocols were administered in an effort to minimize neurological injury.

Following the incident, an investigation into the cause of the loss of vital signs revealed low potassium, which can affect the heart rhythm.

Firm Partner Eric Schwarz Provides Legal Counsel for Medical Malpractice Victim, Obtains Settlement

Despite receiving cognitive therapy, the patient was left with short-term memory loss and exacerbation of her pre-existing depression and anxiety. Firm partner and esteemed medical malpractice attorney Eric Schwarz litigated the case, which resulted in a positive outcome obtained for the plaintiff’s injuries. The case ultimately settled for $1 million awarded to the victim.

Learn More About Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo Partner Eric Schwarz

Eric Schwarz has been with the firm for his entire legal career over which he has distinguished himself litigating medical malpractice and general negligence cases. To learn more about Eric and other notable cases he has litigated, click here.