Failure to Properly Close A Spinal Fluid Leak Leads to Meningitis, Multiple Procedures, and Disability.

The background facts:  Lumbar surgery and a complication.

The plaintiff, S. Morin, had lumbar laminectomy (back surgery) performed by Dr. Bruce Chozick at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut on June 21, 2006.  Following the surgery she developed a spinal fluid leak in her lower back which leaked out of her back onto her skin.

The medical error:  Closing without eliminating an infection.

About one six weeks later, the plaintiff was taken by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital, and Dr. Chozick attempted to close the open wound by suturing the dura which lies underneath the skin on her back.  Essentially, the open wound was exposed to the air for so long it was prone to infection.  Then the wound was closed leading to an infection in the spinal fluid.  Because of the delay in properly diagnosing the plaintiff’s condition she developed meningitis.

The injury caused from the medical negligence.

The plaintiff was subsequently admitted to Hartford Hospital for the severe infection and where she was found to have hydrocephalus.  She underwent surgery to remove an abscess in her back where her 1st surgery had been done.  She was discharged on November 15, 2006 to Gaylord Hospital for rehabilitation.  Because of the meningitis she was diagnosed with arachnoid adhesions and syrinxes (blockages of blood flow) in her spinal cord causing her severe pain.  She treated with physical and aqua therapy but her condition worsened and she underwent a shunting procedure in her back to bypass the compression and help with the blood flow.  She endured more surgeries and his left having to use a walker, continues with severe headaches and continuing thoracic pain.

If you believe a family member is a victim of medical negligence get them help and contact The Bartinik Law Firm, P.C.

 

Are you an advocate for your loved one when you believe they are a victim of medical malpractice?  If you need help to determine whether you have a valid claim contact The Bartinik Law Firm, P.C., 100 Fort Hill Road, Groton, Connecticut at 860-445-8521 or toll free at 888-717-4211.

This case was known as Morin v. Chozick, and St. Francis Hospital

$1,500,000.00 settlement.