DAVENPORT, Iowa — A Scott County jury has decided to award over $1.6 million to the daughter of a deceased LeClaire man in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The court found the doctor responsible for the care of Steve Schwarz, a 67-year-old welder, liable for failing to adequately manage his staph infection, leading to his untimely death.
Filed by Heather Barrett, Schwarz’s daughter, the lawsuit named Dr. Michelle M. Sprengelmeyer, associated with Tipton Family Practice at the time, as the primary defendant. Deliberations concluded on Tuesday with the jury attributing “100 percent of the fault” to Dr. Sprengelmeyer for her mismanagement of the condition, which worsened during Schwarz’s recuperation at Cedar Manor in Tipton.
The other medical providers and health facilities initially included in the negligence lawsuit were absolved of fault by the jury. Notably, Cedar Manor was released from the litigation before the trial commenced.
Details from the two-week trial revealed that after undergoing spinal surgery at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in March 2020, Schwarz was transferred to Cedar Manor for recovery. Despite discharge instructions from UIHC to continue antibiotics to stave off a staph infection, Dr. Sprengelmeyer reportedly deviated from the treatment plan, exacerbating the patient’s condition.
The negligence resulted in the infection becoming lethal, and Schwarz succumbed to his illness at home under hospice care in July 2020.
In response to the jury’s verdict, Barrett expressed a bittersweet gratitude for the acknowledgment of the medical oversight that led to her father’s death, although it did little to ease the pain of her loss. “My father was very active and had recently begun to relish his retirement years. It’s crushing that something as treatable as a bacterial infection was not managed correctly,” Barrett said. Her statement disclosed her father’s love for outdoor activities and spontaneous family trips which underscored his vibrant nature.
Anthony Bribriesco, the attorney representing Barrett, emphasized that proper antibiotic treatment has a nearly 80% success rate in managing spinal infections like that of Schwarz. “A simple and standard medical response could have likely saved his life,” he remarked, highlighting the critical importance of adhering to established post-operative care protocols.
Moreover, Bribriesco pointed to broader systemic issues, noting that transitions in care from hospitals to nursing facilities frequently involve preventable medication mistakes. He advocated for improved communication and systematic checks to prevent such errors, suggesting that such improvements are essential for patient safety.
Echoing this sentiment, Bill Bribriesco, also representing Barrett, stressed the critical role of healthcare providers in consistently reevaluating treatment plans and maintaining vigilance over a patient’s progress. “Medication errors of this nature are utterly preventable and underline the fundamental duty of doctors to meticulously verify and monitor their patients’ treatment,” he stated.
This case not only highlights the devastating impact of medical negligence on families but also serves as a sobering reminder of the essential need for diligence and precision in healthcare.
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