Patient Receives $650K Settlement for Retained Foreign Object, Medication Error

A patient received a $650,000 settlement from Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., to settle a lawsuit regarding a retained foreign object and medication error, according to a Sun-Sentinel report.

In Oct. 2009, Nelson Bailey was admitted to Good Samaritan to undergo surgery for diverticulitis. Following his surgery, he was prescribed medication to lower his blood pressure. However, the pharmacy prepared the wrong medication and the nurse who administered the drug failed to check the label, according to the report.

 

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Complaining of stomach pain, Mr. Bailey underwent X-rays and CT scans, which revealed a retained sponge. A portion of Mr. Bailey's intestines had to be removed due to perforation, according to the report.

Mr. Bailey pursued legal action against the performing surgeon and two radiologists who missed the sponge in CT scans. The presiding judge in the case reached a confidential settlement with the radiologists, while insurance documents showed Good Samaritan paid Mr. Bailey $650,000. The report did not include details regarding any settlements with the performing surgeon.

Read the report about Good Samaritan Medical Center's medical errors.

Related Articles on Medical Errors:

WHO: Risk of Dying From Hospital Infection Far Greater Than Airplane Crash
Patient Awarded $525K After Nurses Left Sponge in Her Abdomen
Maine Physician Advocates Patient Co-Pilot Checklist for Hospital Safety

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