With the trial less than a month away, Levin & Perconti settled this medical malpractice case for $3,000,000. The firm represented the family of a 69-year-old woman who was the victim of medical negligence. The defendant hospital and health care providers placed her catheter in her artery as opposed to her vein. This caused her to suffer a massive stroke and ultimately lead to her death.
Key Takeaways
- $3 Million Settlement: Secured for the family of a 69-year-old woman, by attorneys at Levin & Perconti, who died after a catheter was placed in her carotid artery instead of her jugular vein, leading to a massive stroke.
- Catheter Misplacement: While the patient was in the ICU following a cardiac arrest during a planned surgery, medical staff placed a central line catheter in her right carotid artery rather than her right internal jugular vein.
- Settled Near Trial: The settlement was reached with the trial less than a month away.
Who Were the Attorneys Involved in the Case?
The case was handled by a dedicated team of medical negligence lawyers at Levin & Perconti. Steven Levin, co-founding partner, led the case alongside Michael F. Bonamarte, IV, managing partner, and Jaime Koziol Delaney, partner.
What Happened in This Case
Our client had presented to the defendant hospital for a planned elective cervical neck surgery to address underlying cervical myelopathy. During the procedure, before the actual surgery began, she experienced a cardiac arrest. The surgical team aborted the operation and transferred her to the ICU.
When Did the Medical Error Occur?
While in the ICU, her right internal jugular catheter, which had been placed during the original operation, was found on her pillow. Medical staff reinserted a central line. However, the catheter was placed in the patient’s right carotid artery instead of her right internal jugular vein.
After the catheter misplacement, pressors (medications used to raise blood pressure) were infused through the misplaced line. Levin & Perconti argued that the cannulation, in combination with the infusion of pressors, led to the patient suffering a large right middle cerebral artery stroke.
What Was the Impact of the Medical Mistake on the Patient and Her Family?
What Were the Key Legal Arguments?
Our attorneys argued that the arterial cannulation, combined with the infusion of pressors through the misplaced line, directly caused the patient’s massive stroke and subsequent death. Placing a catheter in an artery rather than a vein is a recognized and preventable surgical error that requires careful technique and verification.
The defense argued that the cardiac arrest during the initial operation was the cause of death, not the catheter misplacement. However, the defendants conceded, and a settlement was reached through mediation before the case went to trial.
What Is Levin & Perconti’s Role in Medical Malpractice Cases?
Levin & Perconti is a nationally renowned law firm specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death litigation. With over 40 years of experience, our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of individuals injured due to negligence, systemic flaws, and corporate disregard for human well-being. We have achieved numerous significant verdicts and settlements, demonstrating our commitment to protecting the injured and holding wrongdoers accountable.
How We Can Help You
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical error or hospital negligence, Levin & Perconti offers experienced legal support:
- Free Case Evaluation: We listen carefully and assess your claim with no obligation.
- Medical Malpractice Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in surgical errors, hospital negligence, and wrongful death cases.
- Dedicated Support: We fight for the compensation and care your family deserves.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
