According to a recent article, the family of Eliza Butler, a former Bangor candy shop owner, is suing St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor for allegedly failing to diagnose her breast cancer in a timely manner, which they claim led to her death. Eliza Butler and her husband, Wade, owned Specialty Sweets, a well-loved candy shop in Bangor. Butler passed away on January 1, 2023, after a prolonged battle with Stage IV breast cancer, which was diagnosed only 16 months prior to her death.
According to the lawsuit filed by her husband, Wade Butler, Eliza had multiple visits to St. Joseph Hospital over several years, where she reported various symptoms such as vision loss, back pain, and breathing difficulties. Despite these complaints, the hospital did not perform crucial diagnostic tests, including mammograms or ultrasounds. The lawsuit alleges that the Hospital engaged in medical malpractice.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, causing harm to a patient. The “standard of care” refers to the level of care and competence that a reasonably skilled healthcare professional, with a similar background and in the same medical community, would have provided under similar circumstances.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a doctor incorrectly diagnoses a condition or fails to diagnose it promptly, the patient may miss out on crucial treatment opportunities, potentially worsening their health outcomes.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, damaging organs, or leaving surgical instruments inside the body, can lead to severe complications or death.
- Medication Errors: These include prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to recognize harmful drug interactions, which can cause significant harm to patients.
- Birth Injuries: Errors during childbirth can result in injuries to both the mother and child, including conditions like cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy, often due to improper use of delivery tools or failure to monitor fetal distress.
- Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, such as giving too much or too little, or failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs, can result in brain damage, injury, or death.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
- Seek a Second Opinion: If you suspect that your medical treatment has been mishandled, consult another healthcare provider to assess your condition and confirm if an error has occurred.
- Obtain Medical Records: Secure copies of all your medical records. These documents are crucial for reviewing the treatment you received and identifying any deviations from the standard of care.
- Document Your Experience: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. This information can be invaluable for building your case.
- Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney: Contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Why Choose Peter Thompson & Associates?
Navigating a medical malpractice claim can be complex and daunting. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have a proven track record of successfully handling medical malpractice cases across Maine. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Peter Thompson & Associates. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Let us help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Give us a call at 207-874-0909 or visit our website now.