Missouri Couple Wins $6.4 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict

The misdiagnosis of a condition, illness, or injury has resulted in a large number of medical malpractice lawsuits.  Such diagnostic errors can lead to incorrect treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all.  Without prompt and correct diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, a patient’s medical condition can become much worse and possibly lead to death.

A Missouri jury has awarded a couple a $6.4 million verdict for a lawsuit that was commenced because of a stroke the husband, Jeffrey Schneider, suffered in 2007.  The Schneider’s alleged the infection that caused the stroke would have been diagnosed had Mr. Schneider’s doctor not been negligent.

Mr. Schneider’s doctor, Dr. Thompson, had diagnosed Schneider as having mitral valve prolapse in 1996.  This is a condition where a valve of the heart does not close tightly, which can lead to the blood flowing backward in the heart.  No follow up echocardiograms were ordered by Thompson after 2001.  Additionally, Schneider was never referred to cardiologist.

In April of 2007, Schneider became very ill.  He complained of fatigue, appetite loss, and abdominal pain.  He was referred by Thompson to some other doctors for tests, but he was never referred to a cardiologist and no tests to examine his heart were ordered.  A month later, Mrs. Schneider called Thompson and requested that Mr. Schneider be admitted to the hospital due to his deteriorating condition.  Thompson said that they should wait until the tests results from the hematologist arrived.

In June of 2007, Schneider suffered an acute stroke due to a bacterial infection on his heart valve.  He now has limited use of the right side of his body, has difficulty processing words, and has suffered damage to his short term memory.  He has not been able to work since the stroke occurred.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to the misdiagnosis of a doctor resulting in lack, inappropriate, or delayed treatment, you should contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to examine your options.

But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.