Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 36, experienced chronic pelvic pain. She consulted Roe gynecologist, who allegedly diagnosed stage II endometriosis. Roe then performed a laparoscopic hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Five days after the procedure, Doe went to Roe’s office, complaining of nausea, vomiting, fever, and decreased voiding. Roe allegedly did not order imaging.

That night, Doe went to a hospital ER, where she was diagnosed as having fluid in her abdomen, hydronephrosis, and acute kidney failure. Doe underwent urgent surgery to treat her injured ureters and bladder. She suffered complications, including a fistula, kidney infections, recurrent UTIs, and lost bladder sensation.

Doe sued Roe, alleging the physician had transected one of her ureters and obstructed the other during the hysterectomy. The plaintiff also alleged that her bladder had been injured during the surgery.

The parties settled for $1.5 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Va. Cir. Ct. Fredericksburg City May 18, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Howard Bullock and AAJ member William Kilduff, both of Richmond, Va.