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Widow to Receive $975,000 for Wrongful Death Lawsuit Alleging Negligence and Medical Malpractice at Marion, Illinois VA Hospital

The widow of Robert Shank III, a hospital patient who died after undergoing gallbladder surgery at the Marion VA Medical Center, has reached a wrongful death agreement with the US government for $975,000. Shank?s surgeon was Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, who has come under investigation for at least 9 patient deaths and 34 patient injuries at the Illinois hospital. Veizaga-Mendez no longer has a license to practice medicine.

Katrina Shank had initially sought up to $12 million for Robert?s death. Her Illinois wrongful death lawyers say the settlement she received is an admission of the government?s role in her husband?s death.

An investigation by the Veterans Affairs Administrative Investigation Board had determined that the Marion VA failed to take proper action when questions arose about Veizaga-Mendez?s credentials. Katrina?s wrongful death lawsuit accused the VA of medical malpractice and negligence because of the hospital's failure to properly check Veizaga-Mendez?s medical background. Her complaint also contended that Veizaga-Mendez was negligent during Robert?s surgery and in the way that he handled the patient?s care after the operation.

Following surgery, Robert did not regain consciousness. He underwent a number of blood transfusions, which led to complications and further surgery. He died soon after. Surgical services at the VA hospital were temporarily suspended last year following the increase in patient deaths.

Veteran Administration (VA) Medical Malpractice
If you or someone you love received poor medical care at a VA medical hospital, you may have grounds to file file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Unsanitary conditions, inadequate staffing, poorly maintained medical devices, patient abuse and neglect, and medical errors can be grounds for a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit if a patient suffers injuries or dies as a result.

Ky. widow settles lawsuit against VA for $975,000, Washington Post, November 25, 2008

Widow settles VA hospital suit, Chicago Tribune.com, November 25, 2008

Related Web Resources:

VA: 10 patients died under care of former surgeon at IL hospital, Boston.com/AP, October 19, 2008

Durbin, Obama, Costello Request Meeting with VA Secretary to Discuss Marion VA, Barack Obama, US Senator of Illinois, May 27, 2008

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on December 03, 2008 (boomark / email).