An Ohio State University student has settled a form of personal injury lawsuit that he filed with a hospital and its doctors regarding a rare infection and the care they took regarding it. The student claims that the doctors failed to prevent the infection that caused him to lose both legs to amputation.
The now 21-year-old student and his parents filed the medical negligence lawsuit in 2009 after he was diagnosed with swift-moving necrotizing fasciistis, an infection that spreads underneath the skin. Within days of the diagnosis, the student was put on life support. He was transported to the Ohio State University Medical Center, where both legs had to be amputated above his knees.
Many Ohio residents sustain serious injuries every year due to misdiagnosis, improper care or other medical negligence.
The lawsuit was scheduled to go to court just days after the settlement was reached. An Ohio Common Pleas Court was preparing to hear the case when both parties announced that they had reached a settlement, which the plaintiff's attorney said covers all parties involved. However, the terms of the settlement were not released. The hospital named as a defendant in the lawsuit released a statement, stating, "[The] matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of all of the parties involves. We wish [the plaintiff] all the best in the future."
The student, who was a talented rower during high school, continues to remain involved in the sport. He now serves as his former high school's assistant coach. And while it's fortunate that he is able to make a life for himself, it's sad that he has to deal with the side effects for the rest of his life.
Source: Columbus Dispatch, "Rower who lost legs settles lawsuit with hospital, doctors," Jeb Phillips, July 6, 2012