Hospital Found Guilty of Malpractice in Peoria Woman’s Death

An Illinois court recently found OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital guilty of committing medical malpractice. According to 25 News, a Peoria woman, Diane Arrenholz, passed away after the hospital rushed her surgery.

The laser cut through her heart and blood vessels

In July 2012, Arrenholz underwent a laser lead extraction program to remove her pacemaker. During surgery, the laser perforated her heart and blood vessels. She died shortly after from blood loss.

The procedure was new

The laser lead extraction was a new program, which her family believed the hospital had rushed to use. The suit also stated the staff was poorly prepared, which allegedly caused Arrenholz’s death.

Jury awarded $2.5 million to her family

A twelve-person jury in the Peoria Illinois Circuit Court agreed with the woman’s family. The jury handed down a $2.5 million settlement to her husband and children.

Her son, Todd Arrenholz, thanked the jury for their decision. He also stated he hoped that it would raise the standard of care for other patients.

OSF Healthcare stated it believed their staff had provided the appropriate care to Arrenholz.

Violating the standard of care is malpractice

To prove a medical malpractice case, you must show a medical professional acted in a negligent manner. Negligence is proven by showing a healthcare worker violated the standard of care. The standard of care is the typical care a medical professional would provide in the same situation.

During a medical malpractice case, another medical expert is called on to testify that the standard of care was not upheld. Then you must prove it was this negligence that caused the injury.

Medical malpractice suits pursue damages

For a medical malpractice lawsuit, you can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, lost ability to earn income, as well as pain and suffering. If the malpractice resulted in death, a patient’s family can bring charges against a hospital and staff.

Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex. If you were injured due to the negligence of healthcare professionals, you should consider contacting an experienced Illinois attorney. An attorney can help you pursue justice.