Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Massachusetts

Wrongful Death?

My mom died on 1/12/2006. She entered the hospital 12 days earlier with dx. adhesion/scar tissue from sm bowel obstruction done approx. 2 1/2 mths earlier. surgurey was preformed. During hospital stay she became increasingly confused, staff was told several times to check dilantin level. This was not done right away. My mom had a ''sm. stroke'' (the doctor said). Then they began monitoring level more closely. She also c/o severe abd. pain. Was noted to have an abcessin her abdomen and was checked and she was given antibiotics. We were told there was no further infection. On the late afternoon of 1/11/2006 my sister received a call from a radiologist asking for her to sign a consent form seeing my mom had a major stroke and was in the ICU unable to sign. We were never notified!! She never recovered. She passed away on 1/12/2006. The death cert. states reason for death as Sm. Bowel obstruction, Severe sepsis and abdominal abcess. No mention of any hemorraghe of the brain (as we were told). We are trying to obtain medical records. We (my brothers and sisters) strongly feel there is wrongdoing with regards to my moms care. Please could you advise.


Asked on 6/17/06, 12:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Christopher Earley Law Office of Christopher Earley

Re: Wrongful Death?

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am sorry to hear that your mom passed away.

The action would be medical malpractice against those who treated your mother. Please be aware that it is extremely hard to win a med mal case in Massachusetts. Roughly one out of ten med mal verdicts are in favor of the defense in this state. I would be happy to discuss this with you, but be aware of how difficult it is to successfully sue doctors and medical personnel in the Commonwealth.

Again, I am sorry for what happened to your mother.

Chris Earley

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Answered on 6/17/06, 12:46 pm


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