Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Medicine
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Improper administration of enema
January/February 2022Paul Thurston, 68, underwent an L4-5 laminectomy at Providence Regional Medical Center-Everett. When he experienced constipation while recovering in the hospital, a nurse administered a Fleet enema. Thurston suffered a rectal perforation, necessitating surgery and requiring a colostomy for five months.
Thurston sued the hospital, alleging the nurse negligently administered the enema. The plaintiff did not claim lost income.
An arbitrator awarded the plaintiff $100,000 in noneconomic damages in addition to approximately $4,000 in costs.
Citation: Thurston v. Providence Reg’l Med. Ctr., No. 19-2-02856-31 (Wash. Super. Ct. Snohomish Cty. Mar. 23, 2021).
Plaintiff counsel: Brandon Batchelor, Everett, Wash.
