Patient wins $3.7 million for improper diagnosis
SAN DIEGO — A jury has awarded $3.7 million to a man who sued a doctor
for failing to diagnose the iron-overload disease hemochromatosis.
In 2003, Jesse Valentine went to workers' compensation doctor Stuart
Kramer, who performed an internal medicine exam that showed increased
ferritin in his blood, an indication of hemochromatosis. No diagnosis
was made. In 2006, Valentine, then in his 40s, was diagnosed with the
disease.
Alleging tissue and organ damage, arthritis and memory loss, Valentine
said that Kramer failed to diagnose and treat his hemochromatosis,
failed to refer him to a specialist and failed to discuss the lab
results with him.
Kramer had said that he showed Valentine the lab results and told him
to see a primary care doctor. The doctor had claimed that the disease
was pre-existing.
This should serve as a lesson to doctors who give improper diagnosis. Unfortunately for Dr. Kramer, it caused him millions. Medical malpractice just like any other personal injury cases are on the rise.
Posted by: BloggerPal | October 31, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Victims of medical malpractice can always file a claim to recover for damages and injuries they sustain. To help you establish liability, you need to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Posted by: PIspecialist | October 31, 2008 at 01:06 AM