Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 73, underwent gallbladder surgery at a hospital. Several hours after her discharge, she returned to the hospital, complaining of severe abdominal pain. She was admitted to the facility, where she continued to experience severe pain that evening and into the next morning. She also experienced vomiting.

Doe’s vital signs deteriorated, and she developed hypotension. She subsequently went into septic shock and was taken for exploratory surgery, which revealed a bowel perforation. Doe later died. She is survived by her family, of which she was the matriarch.

Suit against Doe’s treating surgeon alleged failure to obtain an urgent CT scan to rule out a bowel perforation. Suit also alleged a nurse had failed to timely administer antibiotics or IV fluids.

The parties settled during discovery for $1.45 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Mass. Confidential Ct. June 28, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Jeffrey N. Catalano, Milton, Mass.