Personal Injury Law

Illinois Cancer Center Sued After Wife Dies of Cancer

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

Ron Weidenfeller, through his attorneys at Levin and Perconti, has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Schaumburg-based Cancer Treatment Centers of America and its Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion on behalf of his wife who died from an undiagnosed colon obstruction.

Mrs. Weidenfeller had been complaining of severe pain, distention of her abdomen, and constipation in the days before she died. The Wiedenfeller?s requested tests to ensure she had no bowel obstruction, but instead of listening to the patient?s complaints, the facility assured the couple she would be fine and did not perform these tests. Ultimately, it was determined that the cause of death was sepsis from an undiagnosed perforated colon, revealed by an autopsy that facility staff suggested Mr. Weidenfeller not pursue.

This case is one more illustration of the devastating impact tort reform will have on victims of medical malpractice and negligence. Mr. Weidenfeller is seeking damages because he believes the facility was not candid with him about the events leading to his wife?s death. Should damages be limited where a medical facility simply fails to conduct a necessary test? How much do insurance costs affect a facility?s decision to conduct necessary testing? Shielding physicians and facilities from liability will only discourage them from taking measures necessary for the health and safety of our citizens. Perhaps the threat of liability would have provided the motivation to conduct proper testing to find Mrs. Weidenfeller?s bowel obstruction. Passage of significant tort reform measures will only increase the likelihood of negligence and malpractice and will prevent future Weidenfellers from seeking their just compensation.

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Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on March 04, 2008 (boomark / email).