Physicians who do not adhere to the appropriate standard of care when treating patients may be held liable for medical malpractice. If the patient dies as a result of the doctor’s medical mistake, the patient’s family may file a wrongful death suit against those responsible.
One Louisiana family is filing suit against a woman’s doctor and his medical group after a woman’s death. The suit, filed by the woman’s widower and son, asserts wrongful death and breach of the applicable standard of care.
The woman was involved in a car accident in 2014 and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Despite abnormal EKG results, the doctor proceeded to discharge her from the hospital shortly thereafter. The woman later suffered from high blood pressure and other medical issues. Four months after her release from the hospital, she allegedly passed away from an acute myocardial infarction. One of her coronary arteries was almost fully blocked.
Losing a loved one can affect a family both emotionally and financially. Wrongful death lawsuits are a good way for a family to recover damages to help with the financial difficulties they may be facing. Plaintiffs will have to show that there was a death caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person.
Damages in a wrongful death suit can cover the deceased individual’s lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses and even the pain and suffering of the deceased. While nothing will make the pain of losing someone go away, financial support can help families focus on grieving and learning to live without that person.
Source: Louisiana Record, “Wrongful death suit filed against doctor, Schumacher Group,” Carrie Bradon, July 18, 2016
