Mulvey Law Offices Obtains Compensation for Malpractice Victim Through Negotiation

June 28, 2012 - PRLog -- The Plaintiff, a client of Mulvey Law Offices, was a 72-year old woman with numerous health issues including hereditary spastic paraplegia, acute renal failure, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, dysphagia, acute liver failure, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.  After three days of vomiting she presented to the health care facility with a sore throat, pain in her mid-chest, weakness, and hallucinations.  Plaintiff was admitted to the health care facility and, after multiple examinations and tests, she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and a urinary tract infection.

During Plaintiff’s 9-day inpatient stay at the health care facility, it was repeatedly noted that her lower left leg was painful, cool to the touch, that her toes and heels were mottled, and that her heel had a purple discoloration.  Despite these symptoms, no health care professional attempted to address the lower left leg symptoms.  

After 9 days, Plaintiff’s health care providers determined she was fit to be released and she was taken home by her family.  Two days later, Plaintiff complained that her left leg continued to cause her pain and she returned to the health care facility.  At that time, it was determined that Plaintiff’s left leg had deteriorated to the point where it needed to be amputated or else Plaintiff’s life could be in jeopardy.  The amputation surgery was performed immediately.  Due to the severe deterioration of Plaintiff’s left leg, the surgical team was forced to amputate all the way to Plaintiff’s left hip area.

The Defendant denied negligence and causation.  In addition, the Defendant argued that Plaintiff’s damages were minimized by the fact that her pre-amputation medical condition forced her to use a wheelchair for years leading up to the amputation.  Essentially, the Defendant argued that Plaintiff’s life had not been greatly affected by the amputation because she had already been accustomed to living in a wheelchair. Plaintiff was able to make a remarkable recovery, albeit without her leg.

Plaintiff’s medical bills related to the surgery and subsequent nursing home care totaled $145,912.88. The parties reached a confidential settlement amount, through negotiation, without the need for the expense and delay associated with a lawsuit.

Learn more about Mulvey Law Offices by visiting their website at: http://www.NHMedicalMalpracticeLaw.com.