Hospital Admits Liability For Patient’s Fall

Verdict: $1,100,317

Date: November 2010

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Eduard Sladek (Orthopedist), Dr. Michael R. O’Rourke (Orthopedist) and Dr. Jordan Frishman (Infectious Disease)

PLTF Experts: Carolyn McLane, R.N. (Nursing)

Summary: Plaintiff fell while using the bedside commode in her hospital room following knee replacement surgery at Northwest Community Hospital. The fall caused her wound to re-open which later became infected. Plaintiff then required three additional surgeries including removal of the knee prosthesis, insertion of an antibiotic spacer in place of the knee for three months, re-implantation of the knee prosthesis, and an ulcer to her left heel. The hospital admitted liability and causation, but disputed the extent of damages and denied the bedsore was caused by any negligence on the part of the nursing staff.

Category: Knee Injuries, Repair and Replacement, Medical Malpractice