For the families of those in Greenville who have been injured or died due to the mistakes or negligence of a healthcare provider, the decision to pursue a medical malpractice claim may be motivated by a number of different things. In many cases, they may need assistance in affording the expenses that come as a result of their doctors’ errors. Yet in others, it simply may be to hold a provider accountable. In either case, the choice is typically not without a fair deal of accompanying pain and sorrow.
That is no doubt what a Vermont family felt after losing their teenage son back in 2014. The 17-year-old died of what is described as “a pulmonary embolism-type event.” Although the exact details of his case were not reported, the family believes that the doctors misinterpreted the imaging scans done during treatment he received at a New Hampshire medical center while en route to a leadership conference.
The family recently reached a multimillion dollar settlement with the facility. Despite this, facility representatives deny the claims made in the family’s lawsuit. Some might argue that settlements in cases are akin to an admission of fault. However, others might say they offer hospitals, medical centers and provider networks (who often have extensive resources to draw from) the chance to try and buy their way out of situations that could damage their reputations.
Medical malpractice cases need not be a zero-sum game. Even in those cases where a settlement appears to have preserved a health provider or organization from bad publicity, the funds that come from it may prove very helpful for a family dealing with the after effects of doctor’s mistake. Those needing such help may find it easier to secure with the help of an experienced attorney.
Source: WCAX “Medical center settles malpractice lawsuit for $2 million” Dec. 20, 2017