On March 2, 2017, our client, a Navy veteran, walked into the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Charleston, SC, with radiating back and groin pain. While at the VAMC, he was told that a simple treatment of pain medication and muscle relaxers would relieve the pain.
However, just ten days later, our client was back at the hospital, this time at the Waccamaw Community Hospital, with worsening back pain. While at Waccamaw, he was found to have a high white blood cell count and evidence of inflammation that were described as “different from (the) baseline.” With signs of a severe infection, our client was transferred back to the VAMC to receive an official diagnosis and necessary treatment. However, his condition worsened during the transfer process, and at the time of transfer, was suffering from night sweats, chills, and worsening numbness and tingling in his legs. Despite his alarming condition, antibiotics were withheld and the necessary treatment was not administered upon admission at the VAMC.
Lack of Proper Treatment
Despite having the potential diagnosis of a central nervous system infection and a spinal epidural abscess, our client was forced to wait several hours even with the threat of a potentially fatal condition or permanent complications. On March 13, 2017, while in the care of the VAMC, our client suffered from a fall. Ultimately, even with emergency surgery following the fall, because of the delay in proper treatment, our client suffered a spinal cord injury, leaving him with permanent paralysis in his legs.
Medical Malpractice Settlement
Our team of experienced South Carolina injury lawyers was able to get justice for this veteran and brought medical malpractice claims against the United States, with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center as its agent. On November 15, 2022, we reached a settlement of $1 million. Although nothing can compensate for our client’s paralysis and resulting pain and suffering, we were able to bring this veteran financial security for him and his family.
South Carolina Lawyers Here to Help You
If you or a loved one did not receive the adequate and necessary medical treatment you are owed, our firm is here to help you. At the Law Office of Kenneth Berger, we believe in holding the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused. We believe every client deserves the same level of respect and empathy we would want for our own families. You can schedule a free consultation with our office by contacting us at (803) 790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / (843) 427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).