Lawsuit Settles for $650K After Sponge Left in Patient

The Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida paid $650,000 to settle a lawsuit against a man with a “retained foreign object and medication error.”  The man also reached a confidential settlement against two radiologists.

The now 68-year-old man was admitted to the hospital in October 2009 to undergo surgery for diverticulitis.  His recovery was slow, and after five months he was in more pain than prior to his surgery.  He went back to the doctor and had several X-rays and CT scans before the surgeon and gastrointestinal doctor found a surgical sponge in his stomach that had been left behind during surgery.

The man declined further treatment at Good Samaritan and went to another hospital to have the sponge removed and a portion of his intestines, due to perforation.  The man also received an incorrect dosage of blood pressure medicine, however, he did not have any lasting issues over that error.

The doctor, two radiologists and the hospital were all sued for the errors.  A settlement with the doctor is still pending.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a form of medical negligence, you may have a medical malpractice claim.  Our attorneys at Munley, Munley & Cartwright are experienced and successful medical malpractice litigators and we fight to protect the rights of patients.  Contact us at 1-800-318-LAW1 or fill out our free Claim Evaluation Form.