In October, 2006, Rosella Beckley was admitted for treatment of a fractured hip at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Madison County, Illinois. After her surgery, she was admitted to the coronary care unit to be placed on a ventilator. According to the wrongful death suit filed by Rosella’s husband, Donald, an “improperly manipulated” endotracheal tube changer caused a tracheal bronchial laceration which lead to an anoxic brain injury. This allegedly lead to the death of Beckley.
Because the brain requires a constant flow of oxygen, a disruption can cause a severe injury. While these injuries do not always result in death, the brain is almost never restored to functioning 100% even with treatment.
The complaint states that Beckley’s death has caused her family to suffer financial loss and deprived them of the “valuable services” she performed for them. Beckley’s husband also claims that funeral and burial expenses have become his responsibility and that Gateway should have to cover them. He is seeking damages of $750,000.
Beckley’s Suit Not the Only One Against Gateway
The estate of another family recently filed a wrongful death complaint against the hospital, alleging that in March of 2006 Jill Joshu “was caused to suffer severe injuries and degradation of her health that ultimately lead to her death.” The suit further claims that Gateway doctors and medical professionals were negligent in almost every aspect of Joshu’s care on the day she died. Health care professionals were not notified of lab results, the physician wasn’t notified that she had ceased urinating, and she was given a medication for hypertension called Captopril and potassium while hyperkalemic (elevated potassium levels in the blood).
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to a hospital’s error or negligence, please contact an injury lawyer with experience in the field of medical malpractice or wrongful death in your area.
