Failure To Diagnose Appendicitis

$400,000 RECOVERY 
Failure of Radiologist to Properly Interpret CT scan showing appendicitis
Nassau County, NY

This medical malpractice action involved the infant plaintiff presenting to the defendant’s emergency room in July 2014 complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. A CT scan was performed and interpreted as normal. The infant plaintiff was discharged with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis.

The following week, upon the infant plaintiff becoming sicker, having an increase in abdominal pain and unable to walk, the infant was rushed to the emergency room again. A CT scan was repeated and the radiologist compared the CT scan to the one done the prior week. Upon re-review, the radiologist noted that the CT scan from the week before was misread and did in fact show appendicitis.

The infant plaintiff suffered peritonitis from a ruptured appendix requiring resuscitation, drainage of the peritoneal abscess, development of small bowel obstruction, development of abdominal adhesions, omentectomy and scarring at the surgical site. Prior to defendant depositions, the case settled for $400,000.