Professional Negligence Law Reporter
Medicine
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Misread C. difficile test result
November/December 2025Patricia Guay, 75, went to Washington Gastroenterology, complaining of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, lethargy, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. Physician assistant Justin Chapin allegedly reported to Guay that her test for C. difficile infection was negative. Over the next 21 days, Guay received no treatment. She developed sepsis, was hospitalized, and experienced declining health until her death less than 11 months later.
Guay’s estate sued Washington Gastroenterology PLLC, alleging that Chapin had misread a positive C. difficile result. Had the C. difficile been recognized and treated, the plaintiff asserted, Guay would have avoided hospitalizations and retained her independence.
The jury awarded $300,000.
Citation: Guay v. Washington Gastroenterology PLLC, No. 2022-2-02545-8 (Wash. Super. Ct. Pierce Cnty. May 20, 2025).
Plaintiff counsel: Marvin M. Lee, Federal Way, Wash.
