Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 38, went to the ER at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, complaining of worsening left shoulder and upper quadrant pain following a car crash. Staff allegedly took Doe’s history and ordered diagnostic testing, including a CT scan of Doe’s abdomen and pelvis, which revealed splenic hematomas and a splenic laceration. Physicians then diagnosed a splenic laceration and tachycardia. Doe was admitted for monitoring of his hemoglobin levels.

Doe’s hemoglobin dropped from 8.0 to 7.2, and his tachycardia continued. He was given one unit of packed red blood cells and was taken to interventional radiology for a splenic embolization, which was deemed successful. Doe remained tachycardic and was nauseous, diaphoretic, and hypotensive, prompting nurses to discuss a transfer to the ICU with his treating physician. Before a transfer could take place, Doe became unresponsive. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He is survived by his children.

Doe’s estate sued the county, alleging medical negligence and wrongful death. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant’s agents failed to appropriately treat Doe’s internal bleeding, monitor him more closely, or remove his spleen.

The defense argued that there had been no deviation from the standard of care and that Doe’s death was unforeseeable.

The parties settled for $8.1 million.

Citation: Adame v. Cnty. of Cook, No. 2023 L 5706 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. Aug. 1, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Craig D. Brown and Thomas M. Connelly, both of St. Charles, Ill.