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| Disposition:
(Settlement/Arbitration/Trial) |
Settlement |
Date: |
4/23/1996 |
Type of Case: |
Medical Malpractice |
Allegation(s): |
Administration of Insulin |
Result: |
$150,000 |
Case Name: |
Huffman v. Doe Convalescent Hospital (confidential) |
Facts: |
On March 1, 1995, 89-year-old Othis Huffman was admitted to defendant Doe Convalescent Hospital for short-term nursing care while recovering from a fall. Upon admission, plaintiff's physician wrote orders for, among other medications, "Heparin 5000 units subcutaneously every twelve hours." No order for insulin was written nor was plaintiff a diabetic. Plaintiff was transferred to another room during his stay at defendant's facility, but his medication sheets did not reflect the transfer nor was there any written documentation of the transfer as required by defendant's written policies and procedures.
On the morning of March 6, 1995, plaintiff was found in bed, unresponsive and cold to the touch. He was transferred to Pomerado Hospital where he was admitted to the ICU with a working diagnoses of decreased level of consciousness, respiratory failure and severe hypoglycemia. Two days later, an endocrinologist indicated that the most likely source of plaintiff's previous hyperinsulinemia was an injection of insulin. Plaintiff remained hospitalized for eight more days before returning home with residual cognitive, neurologic and emotional deficits related to his insulin coma.
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| Injury/Injuries: |
Insulin coma and resulting encephalopathy, with decreased concentration, memory, dizzy spells and severe tremors in both hands.
Past medicals: $52,687 (paid by insurance)
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| Contentions: |
Plaintiffs Othis and Marie Huffman contended that the medication nurse involved with plaintiff's care at defendant's facility was dyslexic. Plaintiff contended further that defendant had previous knowledge of the dyslexia and was negligent in supervising and retaining the nurse. Plaintiffs also claimed that prior to Mr. Huffman's admission, a policy concerning the administration of insulin, that would have prevented the occurrence, was in effect but not enforced.
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| Special Notes: |
Plaintiffs
demanded $275,000. Defendant offered $150,000.
< back to Medical Malpractice Case Histories from The Law Offices of Robert Vaage and www.vaagelaw.com
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