$11.5 Million Awarded to Girl in Medical Malpractice Suit
A girl from Framingham, Mass. was awarded $11.5 million after alleging that a radiologist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital failed to diagnose her myocarditis in time to avoid injury.
About the Medical Malpractice Incident
Court records show that Coelho, an 18-month-old at the time, arrived at Newton-Wellesley Hospital with her father on April 12, 2009, with complaints of vomiting and possible dehydration. The Boston Globe reports that after a chest x-ray was performed, radiologist Dr. William Denison determined that Coelho was suffering from a type of pneumonia.
Later, Coelho experienced heart failure and cardiac arrest which resulted in severe permanent neurological damage.
About the Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleged that Coelho was suffering from myocarditis, an enlarged heart, when she visited the hospital in April 2009, and that Denison failed to diagnosis Coelho in time to avoid injury.
According to her attorneys, Coelho could have avoided heart failure and cardiac arrest if she had undergone an echocardiogram and been treated properly.
After a two-week trial and deliberations over two days in Middlesex Superior Court, a jury determined that the Denison’s negligence was a substantial contributing factor in causing Coelho’s injuries, and she was awarded $11.5 million.
About Myocarditis
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. It affects the heart’s electrical system and reduces its ability to pump, causing rapid or abnormal heartbeats.
Severe myocarditis weakens the heart and reduces circulation, leading to blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks.
Myocarditis can be caused by a viral infection or bacteria. It can also be the reaction to a drug or part of an inflammatory condition.
Symptoms of Myocarditis
Information below provided by Mayoclinic.org.
- In Adults
- Chest pain
- Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Shortness of breath, at rest or during physical activity
- Fluid retention with swelling of your legs, ankles and feet
- Fatigue
- Other signs and symptoms of a viral infection, such as a headache, body aches, joint pain, fever, a sore throat or diarrhea
- In Children
- Fever
- Fainting
- Breathing difficulties
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Contact An Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured due to a medical error, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our firm has a proven track record of winning large cases for severely injured clients for more than 25 years. Thomas J. Henry has the experienced medical malpractice lawyers and the legal and financial resources necessary to properly develop your case. Our dedication and determination is reflected in the record-breaking results we have helped our clients achieve.
Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
