Female, age 28, presented to the emergency room with complaints of a sore throat and pain in her upper right leg. Lab work was done, but the results were misplaced in another patient’s chart. This patient was believed to have had normal test results and was discharged from the emergency room. Overnight, she became very ill, lost consciousness, and her skin began splitting. She was immediately returned to the hospital and was diagnosed with streptococcus fasciitis, which was discovered to be present when she went to the ER earlier and the correct lab results were reviewed.
Outcome:
A settlement was reached with both defendants. The terms of the settlements are protected by confidentiality agreements.
