Oakwood Hospital faces a hefty medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit after doctors operated on the wrong side of a woman’s brain. The family of Deborah Blankenship seeks to recover damages for the loss of their loved one. Blankenship died in December 2008 at the age of 48.
The incident occurred on August 7, 2007, when Blankenship was admitted to Oakwood Hospital while suffering from severe headaches. The doctors diagnosed her with an acute leak from an artery in the brain. After doctors were unable to block the leak, they decided to perform an emergency craniotomy, which involves cutting open the skull to treat the condition.
Doctors mistakenly performed the surgery on the right side of her brain first, before determining that the problem was located on the left side of the brain. Blankenship’s family claims that due to the surgical error, enough time elapsed before treatment to cause severe brain damage, which ultimately resulted in her death.
The doctors never received any disciplinary action as a result of their medical errors. Blankenship’s family hopes that their lawsuit can help prevent other families from going through a similar experience due to preventable medical errors.
If you have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. It is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible, since there are often important filing deadlines which must be met.
If you have a medical malpractice wrongful death claim in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the law offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. today to schedule your free initial consultation.
