Key Takeaways
- $5.25 Million Settlement: Secured by attorneys of Levin & Perconti for the family of a 61-year-old man who died after a medical facility failed to diagnose and treat Warfarin-induced bleeding.
- Failure to Diagnose: Despite clear warning signs of anticoagulant-related bleeding, including blood in the urine, an elevated INR, and a large hematoma, the defendant facility failed to take timely action.
- Impact on the Family: The settlement provides financial support to a family that lost a loved one to entirely preventable medical negligence.
Who Were the Attorneys Involved in the Case?
The case was handled by a dedicated team at Levin & Perconti. Steven Levin, co-founding partner, led the case alongside Nicholas Emerson.
What Happened in This Case
How Did the Medical Team Fail to Act?
Twelve days after initially reporting blood in his urine, the man attended a routine check-up at the defendant’s anticoagulation clinic. At that appointment, his INR level was elevated and undetectable on a fingerstick test. He also presented with a hematoma extending from his armpit to his wrist on the inside of his arm.
Despite these alarming signs, the pharmacist conducting the check-up did not immediately contact a physician. Instead, she sent the patient to a lab for a blood test and then home. When the defendant physician was finally contacted that afternoon, he advised that the patient needed to go to an emergency room. However, no one could reach the patient.
The following morning, the physician reviewed the lab results and discovered the patient’s INR had reached critical values greater than 15. The pharmacist drove to the patient’s home, where she found him disoriented. She took him to the emergency room, where his INR was measured at 19. He was in respiratory distress caused by an epiglottal bleed that was constricting his airway and required an emergency tracheotomy.
What Was the Impact on the Patient?
What Were the Key Legal Arguments?
The plaintiffs argued that the defendant facility failed to diagnose and treat the patient’s Warfarin-induced bleeding despite multiple warning signs. The patient himself flagged a potential drug interaction and reported blood in his urine, yet the medical team did not include anticoagulant-related bleeding in their differential diagnosis. When the anticoagulation clinic finally identified critical INR levels, the delay in reaching the patient and getting him to emergency care resulted in a life-threatening epiglottal bleed.
This case highlights the dangers of failing to properly monitor patients on blood-thinning medications and the importance of acting urgently when symptoms of uncontrolled bleeding present. It also underscores the critical role that medication error prevention plays in patient safety.
What Is Levin & Perconti’s Role in Medical Malpractice Cases?
Levin & Perconti has over 30 years of experience representing victims of medical malpractice and wrongful death across Illinois and nationwide. The firm has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for its clients, including numerous record-setting results in cases involving hospital negligence, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication errors.
How We Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice or wrongful death due to medical 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 complex medical cases involving hospital negligence, misdiagnosis, and medication errors.
- Dedicated Support: We fight for the compensation and care your family deserves.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
