Cincinnati, Ohio – A jury in Hamilton County awarded over $2 million to the family of Judy Helen Collins, who tragically died following complications from a surgical procedure. The decision came after accusations of medical malpractice against the performing surgeon, Dr. Robert Bradley, though his colleague, radiologist Dr. Sean A. Litherland, was cleared of any wrongdoing in the case.
The legal proceedings stem from events that unfolded in September 2019 when the 73-year-old Collins underwent surgery to correct a hiatal hernia. Post-operation complications led to severe consequences, culminating in her death on November 28, just 68 days after the procedure.
The lawsuit brought by Collins’ family claimed that Dr. Bradley did not adhere to Dr. Litherland’s recommendation to perform a crucial CT scan which might have detected signs of re-herniation. This alleged oversight was argued to have delayed necessary interventions that could have potentially saved Collins’ life.
During the trial, the plaintiff’s attorney, John O’Neil from the firm Elk + Elk based in Mayfield Heights, emphasized the gravity of the situation by questioning the timeliness and adequacy of the surgical team’s response once complications were recognized. He critiqued the handling and progression of Collins’ care under Dr. Bradley’s supervision.
The jurors took three days of deliberation before reaching their verdict on October 24, determining the financial compensation due to the family for the loss of Collins. The conclusion of this case highlights the critical nature of adherence to medical advice and thorough patient monitoring post-surgery.
Commenting on the outcome, O’Neil expressed his appreciation for the judicial process and the efforts of those involved in the trial. He acknowledged the emotional and logistical complexities navigating such a distressing case and lauded the professionalism of the court staff and the jury’s dedication to a fair assessment of the facts.
The verdict serves as a poignant reminder of the stringent responsibilities healthcare professionals hold in managing patient care and the severe implications that can arise from failures in fulfilling these duties. It also underscores the role of judicial systems in mediating disputes regarding medical accountability and patient safety.
In light of this case, further discussions are anticipated within the medical community about practices surrounding the treatment of hiatal hernias and similar procedures. This tragic incident certainly offers a moment for reflection and potentially, changes to protocol that could prevent future occurrences of this nature.
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