Montgomery, OH – A Hamilton County jury has awarded over $2 million to the family of Judy Helen Collins, who passed away after suffering complications from hernia surgery. The verdict was delivered on October 24, following a two-week trial and more than three days of deliberation.
Judy Helen Collins, a 73-year-old resident of Montgomery, underwent a hiatal hernia repair surgery performed by Dr. Robert Bradley at Bethesda North Hospital in September 2019. Within days of the surgery, Collins began showing signs of distress, which were allegedly not promptly recognized by Dr. Bradley. Despite a radiologist’s recommendation for a CT scan, it was not ordered, a decision that the family’s complaint cited as a critical misstep.
Subsequently, Collins required emergency surgery but succumbed to her conditions on November 28, 2019, more than two months after her initial procedure.
The lawsuit initially named multiple defendants, including Bethesda North Hospital, Dr. Bradley, radiologist Sean Litherland, MD, TriState IMG radiology group, and TriHealth Surgical Institute. However, allegations against Bethesda North Hospital and Dr. Litherland were dismissed before the trial concluded.
In the end, the jury found Dr. Bradley and TriHealth Surgical Institute liable, resulting in a $2,063,255.51 payout to Collins’ bereaved relatives. This amount includes compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and wrongful death.
John O’Neil, representing the Collins family and attorney at Elk + Elk law firm, expressed his gratitude for the court’s handling of the matter and the jury’s diligent consideration. He emphasized the challenging nature of the case, noting that the defense argued the testing and procedures were properly conducted.
Representatives for Dr. Bradley and TriHealth Surgical did not provide comments regarding the jury’s decision.
Hiatal hernia repair surgery involves complex procedures that often require careful manipulation of the stomach and diaphragm. According to Dr. Steven Shamah, Director of Endoscopy at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, the surgical treatment involves widening the diaphragm, repositioning the stomach, and securing the area to prevent recurrent issues. Despite being generally safe, the surgery carries risks including severe complications like esophageal perforation and internal bleeding.
This surgery has a relatively low mortality rate, around 1.3% for elective procedures and 8% for emergency cases, highlighting the importance of vigilant postoperative care to mitigate risks and manage complications effectively.
Such medical malpractice cases underscore the critical necessity for healthcare providers to adhere to the highest standards of patient care and continuously monitor for postoperative complications. Early detection and prompt intervention can significantly influence patient outcomes and potentially prevent tragic consequences.
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