San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

Doctors and medical professionals are considered to be an integral part of society, but are also expected to perform to the highest of their abilities. There are medical boards that monitor doctors to make sure that they are getting continuing education in their fields. Another way that doctors are monitored is through medical malpractice lawsuits. Lawsuits may help regulate the medical field because if doctors were not sought out for their mistakes then they may continue to make the mistakes without having to face the consequences.

In Hamilton County, Tennessee, a jury awarded a 33 year old woman $6.1 million in damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The woman, Kristen Freeman, suffered cardiac problems and was brain damaged as a result of colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. The lawsuit was against Dr. Michael Goodman, a gastroenterologist who was well known in the area. The jury found him to be 51 percent to be at fault for Freeman’s condition. Freeman had been having bowel problems for several years and went to go visit Dr. Goodman, who performed the procedures on her. Freeman called the doctor’s office to complain of pain and nausea the same day as the procedures, but was only prescribed anti-nausea medication. She again called the office the next day, and Dr. Goodman referred her to have her x-rays taken. However, by the next day, Freeman was so weak that she needed a wheelchair.

Freeman’s attorney contended that Dr. Goodman should have known that vomiting and pain were symptoms of a perforated intestine, but Dr. Goodman’s attorney contends that Freeman should have gone to the emergency room on her own. Freeman suffered cardiopulmonary arrest and severe brain damage, and she is now in permanent and total disability. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over $150 million in verdicts and settlements, including medical malpractice cases. In order to find out if you have a lawsuit on your hands, you should contact our office immediately for a free consultation. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about medical malpractice cases.