Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Wisconsin

neglect resulting in extended stay/suffering

My father had triple bypass surgery in March in Milwaukee,WI VA hospital.It resulted in complications-dialysis(still in effect)resulting in him being transferred to Froedhert Hospital for 19 days where he developed a bedsore on his back. After being transferred back to the VA, it worsened & developed into a Stage 4 bedsore. He was still hospitalized on May 23, when my mother, who was under considerable stress, suddenly passed away from a heart attack at the age of 66. He was then transferred to the Iron Mt. WI VA for 2 weeks & then to a local nursing home for care, where he still is residing. The bedsore on his back has not healed & he is hooked up 24 hrs/day to a vacuum that is supposed to help heal it. He also receives dialysis 3 times/week. He does not have the funds to pay for all the bills that are piling up & not covered by VA insurance or medicare or the funeral bill for my mother. Is this situation worth pursuing and/or are there attorneys in our area that would consider the case without fees unless the case resulted in a settlement.


Asked on 9/09/04, 5:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael End End, Hierseman & Crain, LLC

Re: neglect resulting in extended stay/suffering

It is possible that your father may have a case that could be successfully pursued. The issue would be whether it could be proved that the health care providers were negligent in the care they provided to your father. Steps should be taken to minimize the occurrence of decubitus ulcers. The medical records should tell whether your father was being turned as frequently as he should have been in order to minimize the risk of the ulcers.

Your father has three years from the date of injury to file a case. If your father wishes to look into pursuing a case, he should contact a lawyer to have the lawyer get copies of the medical records to determine whether the case should be pursued.

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Answered on 9/22/04, 12:19 am


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