Teen’s Tragic Death Due to Tick-Borne Disease, Medical Malpractice, Highlights Rights and Options of Medical Malpractice Victims under New York Laws

The recent reinstatement of a medical malpractice lawsuit claim by a New York State appeals court brings into view how a simple tick bite can turn into death and a medical malpractice wrongful death claim. The case all began when a 16-year-old teenager visited Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York, in August, 2015 with complaints of an “obvious” insect bite that was surrounded by a rash on her calf. The teen told Ellis Hospital doctors that she had worked at an outdoor summer camp in Berne, New York, which is an area where tick bites to humans is “endemic.” Although the teen presented with symptoms for Lyme disease – considering the location where she worked at the camp, the bug bite, and her other symptoms – Ellis Hospital doctors did not prescribe medications for suspected Lyme disease, and instead diagnosed her with cellulitis and prescribed antibiotics. The 16-year-old teen returned to her healthcare providers several more times, but to no avail. Despite the symptoms of Lyme disease, and the knowledge that the young girl had been in a tick-infested area, doctors still did not prescribe medications for suspected Lyme disease. Finally, after the teen girl was taken to the pediatric ICU, an infectious disease consultation was ordered, and medication for suspected Lyme disease was administered. However, it was too late. The young teen girl was experiencing seizures, and she passed away on September 7, 2015 due to brain edema with evidence of meningitis.

After the ensuing medical malpractice wrongful death case was initially dismissed by the New York Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals reinstated the case in early July. Accordingly, the case brought on behalf of the young teen girl’s estate will go forward.

When Doctors Fail Their Patients in New York City – New York City Medical Malpractice Claims

 Although we would all like to think that we can absolutely trust the medical professionals that treat us for our wounds, injuries, and illnesses, not all doctors will always rise to their professional standard of care, the truth is that doctors and other medical professionals are human, and medical malpractice can and does happen in New York City and throughout the country. It is, accordingly, important for New York City medical malpractice victims to know that if they are injured by a negligent doctor or healthcare professional, they may be entitled to money compensation under New York medical malpractice laws.

If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of your doctor or trusted medical professional in New York City, do not hesitate to speak to an experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyer about your case. The experienced New York City medical malpractice lawyers at the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. are here to help victims of medical malpractice in New York City get justice for their injuries and losses caused by negligent healthcare professionals. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact the law firm of Michael Gunzburg, P.C. and speak directly to a lawyer about your rights and options now.

Source:

law.com/newyorklawjournal/2024/07/05/malpractice-claim-over-misdiagnosis-of-tick-bite-symptoms-is-reinstated/?slreturn=20240721104657