Personal Injury Law

Medical Malpractice Victims Struggle to Collect from Doctor

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

WHIO.com reported today on a Dayton doctor with 19 medical malpractice cases currently on the docket. That list is not even counting several victims who have already won verdicts or settlement against the doctor, Dr. Lawrence Rothstein. Each of the charges involve plaintiff complaints of nerve damage, pain, weakness, numbness, paralysis and incontinence following surgeries performed by Dr. Rothstein.

On June 29th Dr. Rothstein filed for bankruptcy, putting into doubt the possibility that many of his victims will ever be compensated for the losses they suffered due to his inadequate medical care.

One of those victims is Sally Clawson and her family. Dr. Rothstein performed outpatient back surgery on Mrs. Clawson, but he botched the procedure, ultimately resulting in brain damage. In October, a jury found the doctor liable for the brain damage and awarded her $5 million in damages. However, Sally and her family have yet to receive anything from Dr. Rothstein or his employer, Riverview Health Institute. With the recent bankruptcy filing and pending cases, it is unclear when, if ever, the Clawson family will receive their judgment.

The unfortunate example of Dr. Rothstein is a stark reminder of the widespread harm a single negligent doctor can cause. It is also an indication of the importance of pursuing all potentially negligent doctors immediately. A delay may ultimately be the difference between collecting on a judgment and receiving nothing. The victims who acted first were much more likely to receive settlement and judgments while dozens of others may be left without any recourse.

Our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Levin & Perconti are always ready and willing to help you fight for your rights in a timely, efficient, and forceful manner. We have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies and doctors who repeatedly harm patients with substandard medical care. Do not wait until it is too late. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer today and ensure you are not left without any compensation for your injuries.

Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on July 04, 2010 (boomark / email).