A teacher has been awarded a $1.5 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit regarding her mistreatment nearly one decade ago that left her with a stomach condition.
According to the Indiana News and Tribune, then-21-year-old Michelle Wells Fischer went to Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services on June 5, 2003 complaining of abdominal pain.
There she consulted with surgeon Dr. William H. Garner III, who initially decided that she undergo a surgical procedure the following day.
However, on the day of the surgery he announced that he had changed his mind based on new information and would not be performing the surgery. He then allegedly went out of town for the weekend without providing any surgical coverage for Fischer.
Over the next two days Fischer’s condition took a turn for the worse. A surgeon was eventually called in to perform an emergency procedure amid fears she may die otherwise. As it turns out, Fischer had ischemic bowel disease, and her entire bowel system could have died if the emergency procedure was not performed.
As a result of the ordeal, Fischer now has short gut syndrome. In the medical malpractice lawsuit that followed, the jury found Garner liable for the injuries.
If you or a loved one have been hurt due to a doctor’s medical negligence, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit.