Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 65, underwent a cardiac catheterization. During the procedure, the attending cardiologist allegedly attached an air-filled syringe to an incorrect tubing line and injected 20 ml of air into Doe’s radial artery. This caused Doe to suffer an arterial air embolism, which traveled to his brain, resulting in a stroke and respiratory failure. He was transferred to another facility so that he could undergo emergency hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This facility could not accommodate Doe’s life-saving equipment, however, necessitating transfer to an out-of-state medical center.

Although he continues to suffer problems from his experience, Doe returned to his job as a pastor 41 days later.

Doe claimed that a medical corporate employer was liable for the cardiologist’s failure to attach the air-filled syringe to the tubing line labeled “Air” and for the errors made during the initial transfer to the second facility. Doe claimed more than $18,900 in lost income.

The parties settled before suit was filed for $1.2 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, settled before filing, June 8, 2020.

Claimant counsel: AAJ member Anthony M. Russell, Roanoke, Va.; and AAJ member Les S. Bowers, Charlottesville, Va.