Connecticut residents may remember that actor Bill Paxton died during surgery in February 2017. His estate claims that his surgeon and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center were negligent in diagnosing, managing and treating him. However, the hospital and the doctor said that Paxton knew that the surgery could be risky. They also claimed that the actor had an existing condition that made the procedure an even bigger risk.
The estate claimed in a wrongful death lawsuit that information had been concealed from Paxton prior to the surgery or had not been properly explained. It further claimed that the doctor was using an uncommon surgical approach that was beyond his scope to perform and that he had little experience with. Complications from the initial surgery would result in additional procedures that would ultimately lead to his death because of a stroke.
The family claims that the actor received insufficient care after the procedure was completed and that the doctor was not in the hospital when complications arose. Ceders-Sinai said that patient health and safety is its top priority. It also said that it thoroughly reviewed patient records to ensure that it could provide such quality care. The doctor who performed the surgery left his position shortly after Paxton passed away.
If a person dies because of the negligence of a doctor or any other party, a wrongful death claim may be in order. The victim’s family could file a wrongful death lawsuit in an effort to obtain compensation for damages. Compensation may allow the family to pay the deceased’s final expenses and recoup lost future earnings. Punitive damages could also be a part of a financial award. An attorney may review a case in an effort to help a plaintiff obtain a favorable outcome.
