CROWN POINT, Ind. — A significant legal judgement has reverberated through Lake County as a local couple was awarded $25.8 million in damages, following a missed cancer diagnosis at St. Mary Medical Center in Valparaiso. The verdict came after a jury found the hospital failed to communicate critical test results indicating the presence of cancer.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2017 when George “Tim” Yaros underwent routine blood work at the facility. The results, which confirmed the early stages of cancer, were never reported to his physician, according to Jack Kramer of the Allen Law Group, representing Yaros. It wasn’t until over a year later that Yaros discovered his condition, by which time the cancer had advanced to Stage IV, severely impacting his kidneys and spine.
“The failure to report the test results precipitated a chain of negative outcomes for Mr. Yaros, culminating in renal failure and the need for ongoing, life-sustaining treatment,” Kramer explained. As a direct consequence of the oversight, Yaros now requires dialysis and will continue to need cancer treatment throughout his life.
The legal proceedings concluded after a four-day trial overseen by Lake Superior Court Chief Judge John M. Sedia, culminating last week. The jury’s decision accounted not only for Yaros’ medical costs and suffering but also recognized his wife, LaVonne Yaros’ loss, awarding her $4 million for loss of consortium.
A spokesperson from the Johnson & Bell law firm, representing St. Mary Medical Center, did not provide immediate comment on the case’s outcome.
Further complicating the hospital’s defense was a prior review by an independent medical panel, required under Indiana law. The panel had found that St. Mary Medical Center did not meet the required standard of care in managing Yaros’ health information.
Kenneth J. Allen, another attorney representing the Yaros couple, highlighted the broader implications of the jury’s verdict. “While Indiana law typically caps large malpractice awards, verdicts like this underscore the serious consequences of medical negligence,” Allen stated. “Our primary aim here extends beyond the courtroom; it’s about advocating for patient safety and ensuring that such oversights are not repeated.”
The case has spotlighted the critical importance of efficient and accurate communication within healthcare facilities. It serves as a cautionary tale for hospitals and medical professionals about the legal and ethical responsibilities they carry in managing patient information diligently. The outcome of this case may well influence hospital procedures across the state, potentially setting a precedent for how medical malpractice claims are regarded in Indiana’s legal landscape.