Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in North Carolina

Medical Negligence

My 81 yr old father recently passed away due to an infection he obtained from a needle used to draw blood for a physical in the Drs.office. He was told this was what happened by two of the Drs. there at the office. He was treated and became slightly better over the next couple of weeks. He then had a relapse of the same.He then passed away after the same symptoms had re occured for only 4 days. His Drs. were notified and spoke with the 4 days he was ill and told my brother and I to bring him to the office on Monday. Using our judgement we took him to the emg. room on Sun. night. By then it was too late. He passed on Monday. He trusted these Drs. and so did we. They knew he had this infection and how he contacted it. At his death his white blood count was 72,000. Since then, neither Dr. has even offered their condolences. I can provide more info upon your request.

Thank you.


Asked on 10/29/99, 3:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Eleanor MacCorkle Eleanor MacCorkle, Attorney at Law

Re: Medical Negligence

In your question you did not indicate what caused the death of your father and whether an autopsy was performed. The cause of death is an important issue in any malpractice question. Only a doctor can tell you whether the attending physicians did not meet the appropriate standard of care.

Generally, medical questions are complicated and can be very confusing to a jury. For this reason, a successful malpractice claim requires substantial damages and clear medical liability. Your father's age and his health before the infection may reduce the likelihood that these requirements can be met.

In North Carolina, you have two years to bring a wrongful death action for malpractice which led to your father's death. You may wish to discuss this matter with an attorney in your county.

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Answered on 11/03/99, 11:50 am


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