The family of an Illinois man who died five years ago only weeks after he underwent brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic, have brought a lawsuit against the medical facility claiming wrongful death.

On October 6, 2003, 52 year old Charles Nolan underwent brain surgery to have a benign tumor reduced which was threatening his vision.  During the surgery, a cerebral spinal fluid leak developed, which the surgeons attempted to repair with packing.  It is this leak, and the subsequent infection that followed, that the Nolan family claim led to Charles’ death just a few weeks later, on November 17, 2003.

According to the court reports, Nolan consulted his eye doctor on October 10th, concerned about vision problems.  He was told it was normal.  Unfortunately, this was not the case.  On the 14th of October, he awoke with a massive headache and passed out.

It turns out the cerebral leak Nolan suffered during surgery led to an infection, and meningitis, which he ultimately died from.  The Nolan family claims that Charles was not properly monitored following surgery, and that he was released from the hospital too quickly (only two days later).

The family’s medical lawyer is citing some $200,000 in medical and funeral expenses, but also claims that during the trial he will prove damages in excess of $4.5 million.

This situation proves that medical malpractice and wrongful death can occur anywhere, even at one of the most prestigious medical treatment facilities in the country.  Doctors are human and inevitably make errors.  Unfortunately, sometimes those errors can have catastrophic consequences that could have been prevented.  Don’t ever be afraid to fight for your rights if you are a victim of medical negligence, no matter where it occurred.  Speak to a medical attorney right away.

Source:   Postbulletin.com