The Healy Law Firm

P.L. v. CHRIST HOSPITAL

Plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury in 1995 and has been confined to a wheelchair and is an incomplete quadriplegic with decreased mental function and inability to speak since then.  Plaintiff was treated at Defendant, Christ Hospital for meningitis.  She developed dysphasia and was administered feedings through a gastric-tube.  A nurse noticed the tube had been pulled out by Plaintiff.  At the direction of Defendant, Dr. Berkelhammer, a Gastroenterologist, the nurse replaced the tube with a Foley catheter.  An abdominal X-Ray was ordered to confirm placement of the catheter’s tip in the stomach.  The X-Ray was read by Defendant, Dr. Gooneratne, a Radiologist.

The Radiolgist dictated a report that confirmed that he tube and radiographic contrast was in the stomach.  Based on the Report, the Gastroenterologist ordered feedings to be resumed through the tube. The tube was not placed in the stomach.  Plaintiff developed severe peritonitis as a result of contamination of the abdominal cavity.

Defendant Radiologist later testified he called the nurse to express doubts about the results of the X-Ray and issued an amended report.  No amended report was located in the file.    

Plaintiff was treated in the Intensive Care Unit at Christ Hospital for  approximately 8 months total and underwent multiple surgeries and CT guided drainages of abscesses and infection.  Plaintiff incurred over $1,000,000 in medical expenses as a result of the peritonitis.