Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, a 64-year-old man in poor health, was admitted to a medical center after suffering an injury to his lower extremity. Although it was ordered that Doe receive continuous telemetry monitoring, this was discontinued. Doe, who was taking anticoagulants, allegedly began experiencing signs of internal bleeding, and his hemoglobin and hematocrit continued to decrease. Additionally, it allegedly was determined that Doe had lost approximately 40% of his blood volume.

Doe died the next day. He is survived by his adult son and granddaughter.

Suit against the medical center alleged that its employees had negligently discontinued telemetry monitoring, which would have alerted staff that Doe’s condition was deteriorating; failed to appreciate the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding and provide appropriate blood products; and failed to alert Doe’s treating nurse about his abnormal vital signs. The plaintiff did not claim lost income.

The parties settled for $425,000.

Citation: Doe v. Roe Med. Ctr., Confidential Dkt. No. (Va. Confidential Ct. Apr. 15, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Anthony M. Russell, Roanoke, Va.