$5 MILLION Settlement

$5 MILLION Settlement

Background

On July 18, 2019, a 47-year-old man was admitted with severe infections and multiple health issues. He suffered from coccoidal meningitis, a lung infection, and other serious conditions. Early on, doctors discovered a small Stage 2 pressure injury on his coccyx—a 2 x 2 cm wound with a pink base and no signs of infection. However, when he was transferred to a care facility on July 29, 2019, his care began to slip.

Allegations and Negligence

At this facility, several critical failures in his care contributed to his worsening condition:

Missed Skin Assessment

The nursing staff failed to perform a complete skin check on admission. They mistakenly noted that his skin was “intact” and did not catch the pressure injury seen during the transfer. A proper skin assessment could have led to earlier treatment and prevented further damage.

Incomplete Care Plan

Although a care plan was started when he was admitted, it did not address his risk for falls or his existing pressure injury. Even as his condition declined, the care plan was not updated to include necessary interventions like advanced pressure-relieving devices.

Incorrect Risk Assessment

His risk for pressure injuries was incorrectly rated as “low” using the Braden Scale. Despite his limited mobility and other health challenges, the staff did not recognize that he was actually at high risk. This error meant that vital protective measures were never put in place.

Inadequate Fall Prevention

He experienced several falls while at the care facility. The staff continued to underestimate his fall risk and did not use safety devices like bed and chair alarms correctly. These oversights led to multiple falls, with the final fall resulting in quadriplegia—a devastating outcome that dramatically changed his life.

Lack of Nutritional Support

He had low albumin levels, indicating poor nutrition. The dietician did not adjust his nutritional plan to help his wounds heal. Without extra protein and proper dietary support, his pressure injury could not improve as it should have.

Settlement and Impact

Peck Law Group stepped in to fight for this man’s rights and secure justice. By carefully gathering detailed medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions, Peck Law Group was able to clearly demonstrate that the care facility failed to provide proper care. Their diligent work and commitment to uncovering every detail helped secure a $5 million settlement. This substantial award not only provided compensation for his life-altering injuries but also sent a powerful message about the need for proper care and accountability in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The care provided to him fell far below the required standard. A missed skin assessment, an incomplete care plan, inaccurate risk evaluations, poor fall prevention, and inadequate nutritional support all contributed to his worsening condition. Peck Law Group’s relentless efforts led to a $5 million settlement, highlighting the critical importance of thorough assessments and timely interventions. This case serves as a reminder that every patient deserves attentive, compassionate, and safe care.

For more details or legal assistance regarding patient safety and hospital care, please contact Peck Law Group.