Confidential
Settlement – $2,250,000Judge
Court
Snohomish Superior
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Facts
In December of 1992, Plaintiff, a 60-year-old retiree, presented to Defendant hospital for removal of an ovarian mass. Her electrolytes were normal on admission. Plaintiff had surgery on December 3, 1992. Over the next several days, Plaintiff experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Her fluid orders were not changed nor were her electrolytes checked. On December 6, 1992, nurses found Plaintiff unresponsive. She had suffered a grand mal seizure. Blood level checks revealed extremely abnormal electrolytes. The seizure was caused by abnormally low sodium. Plaintiff's physician and the hospital were named as Defendants.
Settlement Discussions
Demands and offers, if any, were not disclosed.
Specials in Evidence
$83,000 $1,500,000
Injuries
Brain damage resulting in a mental age of a 2-year-old and requiring 24-hour care.
Other Information
After this incident, Defendant hospital changed its standing orders to require electrolyte evaluation postoperatively in patients like this.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390