Golden v. Central Florida Health

Summary

In this medical malpractice case, decedent Joyce Golden was seen at a hospital for a routine endoscopy procedure. Joyce developed chest and back pain while on her way home, and returned to the emergency room at Villages Hospital. Her condition deteriorated due to a fatal infection, which was due to a perforated esophagus. Patrick Golden sues Dr. Frank Cantrell, claiming that he failed to run tests to check for a perforation.

Representatives for Patrick argue that Dr. Cantrell should have ordered a chest x-ray to check for a perforation, as these are some of the most common injuries after esophageal endoscopy procedures. They state that it was urgent to confirm this perforation with imaging, as infection can rapidly develop, and Dr. Cantrell's failure to request rapid x-rays fell below the standard of care.

Attorneys for Dr. Cantrell claim that he met the standard of care, as Joyce's symptoms were located in her abdominal region and not her throat, indicating a high likelihood of pancreatitis. Dr. Cantrell states that X-rays cannot confirm perforations, and a chest CT is the best way to diagnose.

Outcome

Verdict for the defense.