Woman Undergoes Hysterectomy To Stop Bleeding

Verdict: Not Guilty

Date: August 2010

County: Du Page

PLTF Medical: Dr.Lauren Steicker (Ob/Gyn), Dr. John Korpics (Emergency Medicine), Dr. Ma Tacadena (Anesthesiologist) and Dr. Charles Robert Stanhope (Ob/Gyn)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Joseph Finkelstein (Ob/Gyn) and Dr. Alex John Spandoni (Psychiatrist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Scott Hite (Ob/Gyn) and Dr. Kenneith D. Candido (Pain Management)

Summary: Plaintiff went to the emergency room 12 days after giving birth to her 3rd child because of heavy bleeding. Dr. Lawler proceeded to the operating room where he performed a suction and dilatation and curettage (D&C) on Plaintiff. He also prescribed 2 medications to help the uterus contract. The bleeding failed to stop and Dr. Lawler and his senior partner performed exploratory surgery wherein they discovered that there was more than one source of the bleeding. Based on the fact that the Plaintiff had already lost 1/3 to ½ of her total blood volume, they performed a total abdominal hysterectomy to stop the blood loss. Plaintiff contended that Defendants deviated from the standard of care and left her unable to have any more children. Defense asserted that the Defendants acted appropriately and that they saved the Plaintiff’s life.

Category: Medical Malpractice