Monroe County, MI Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed For Bowel Obstruction

Our expert Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit that involved the death of  78-year-old nursing home resident at a Monroe County facility. Bowel obstruction symptoms were demonstrated by the resident, however the nurse’s at the nursing home failed to report his symptoms to a physician.  As a result of this failure, the resident was transferred to the hospital and due to the delay for treatment he died from septic shock.

We filed a claim against both the Monroe facility and the nurses involved in our client’s care.  The lawsuit alleges that due to the failure of diagnosing the bowel obstruction, a delay in treatment took place and fecal matter became impacted, or backed up inside our client.  He then developed sepsis which is an infection in the blood.  The sepsis then caused the patient to go in to shock and died less than 24 hours after being taken to the hospital.

Compensation sought in the case include the pain and suffering of the resident and the loss of society and companionship his family suffered due to his death. A claim for funeral and burial expenses and other financial losses was also made.  No trial date has been set by the Court.

The diagnosis of a small bowel obstruction is made based upon the complaints, symptoms, and presentation of the patient. It is essential that a nursing home who witnesses a resident suffering these types of signs notifies a physician immediately so that the condition may be treated in a timely manner and not cause more serious harm tor death.  Some of the most common symptoms and complaints that should point toward a diagnosis of a bowel obstruction include:

• Abdominal pain – Nausea
• Vomitting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fever and Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery

Time is of the essence in both the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.  If untreated, impacted obstructions can cause death in 100% of patients.  When a resident suffers injuries or even death to the failure to diagnose or delay in diagnosis of a bowel obstruction when symptoms were presented, the nursing home and nurses may be able to be held liable as this is considered a negligent act.  For more information or if you are seeking help after a nurse or caregiver has neglected or abused your loved one, call our top rated Michigan nursing home lawyers now.  We will discuss your case with you, explain your rights and determine whether or not you have means to file a claim.  Call today at (800) 606-1717 for a free, no obligation consultation and get justice for you or your loved one.