In January 2015, the family of Michael Powall filed suit against the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Hillcrest Hospital, Dr. Jack Lissauer, and Dr. David Weinerman. The family has alleged that the doctors caused the death of Mr. Powall, then 78-years-old, during a medical procedure.
Mr. Powall’s family alleged Mr. Powall signed a consent form for an upper endoscopy upon Dr. Lissauer’s recommendation. An upper endoscopy involves physicians inserting a camera down the throat to examine the digestive system. According to court records, Dr. Weinerman had been hired as a gastroenterologist 29 days before Mr. Powall’s procedure and was still working towards his certification. Dr. Weinerman performed the procedure under Dr. Lissauer’s supervision. Shortly after the camera was inserted, Mr. Powall’s oxygen level dropped, and he stopped breathing 15 minutes later.
The suit specifies that Dr. Lissauer and Dr. Weinerman failed to have an anesthesiologist sedate Mr. Powall, allowed his oxygen level to drop for several minutes, and let an inexperienced doctor perform an upper endoscopy in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Attorneys for the doctors have argued that the physicians followed the standard of care for the endoscopy procedure.
When someone is injured or dies due to a health care provider’s negligence, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the party’s right to recover.
Medical malpractice is a difficult area of law as it requires an understanding of both the legal practice and the mechanics of medicine. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue such claims.