Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Medicine

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Negligent postoperative care

November/December 2024

Doe, 63, underwent hip replacement surgery. After the procedure, he suffered from pain, abdominal distention, and bloating, as well as metabolic acidosis. Doe subsequently died from a bowel infarction and septic shock. He is survived by his two children.

They sued a treating hospitalist, alleging negligent postoperative care. The plaintiffs asserted the defendant failed to recognize the signs of an acute abdomen and failed to order a surgical consultation in response to Doe’s worsening condition.

The jury awarded $3.9 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Undisclosed Dkt. No. (Mass. Super. Ct. Bristol Cnty. 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Andrew C. Meyer Jr. and William J. Thompson, both of Boston.