It is an unfortunate thing when routine medical procedures go wrong, but it does happen. When it does, victims are entitled to compensation. Such is the case in Iowa where a victim was just awarded $500,000 by a judge.
According to reports, a woman underwent a routine colonoscopy in 2014. During the procedure, the surgeon allegedly tore the woman’s colon. Once the mistake was discovered, the surgeon scheduled the patient for a follow-up. The woman then underwent a second procedure to repair the damage from the first. In between the two surgeries, contents of the intestines had leaked into the abdomen. An infection occurred, and that infection ultimately took the woman’s life. She passed away just eight days after the second procedure.
The hospital, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, was sued by the woman’s widow. The hospital settled with the estate of the patient in the amount of $500,000, which was finalized under a judge. The judge also ordered that the hospital disclose the settlement amount to the public in accordance with the law. In the course of disclosure, it was discovered that the widow had been paid $100 to keep the settlement amount to himself.
When a person undergoes medical treatment of any type, they do so with the assumption that they will be treated expertly and safely. When errors occur, the victim is due compensation under medical malpractice laws. It is rarely legal for the amount of the award to be kept confidential.
If you or a loved one has been mistreated by a medical professional, you have legal rights. Reach out to our experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys for a free consultation. Let us review your case and advise you of the compensation you may be legally entitled to.