A New Mexico judge has issued an order for a third trial in connection with a medical negligence lawsuit that was filed in 2009 against a Santa Fe hospital. According to the wrongful death complaint, the father of a 20-year-old woman who died after she was released from the Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center alleges the young woman received inadequate and negligent care from the hospital. The 20-year-old was purportedly diagnosed with pancreatitis and provided with a prescription for antibiotics at the hospital in late 2008. A physician employed by Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center allegedly ordered that the woman’s medication be stopped and released her. The following day, the 20-year-old apparently died as a result of septicemia.
A jury trial in 2012 resulted in a finding of negligence on the part of the hospital, but jurors reportedly could not reach an agreement with regard to damages. A second jury trial was decided in favor of Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. In August, State District Judge Raymond Ortiz, who presided over both jury trials, formally ordered a third trial due to alleged misconduct on the part of the hospital’s defense attorney. According to his written order, the misconduct warranted extraordinary relief.
In the State of New Mexico, medical malpractice occurs when a health care professional such as a doctor or nurse fails to treat a patient using the prevailing standard of care and the patient sustains an injury as a direct result. Medical negligence can arise from a medical caregiver’s failure to take appropriate action as well as by an intentional or unintentional act. For example, medical negligence may occur when a hospital or other medical provider does not offer appropriate treatment, improperly diagnoses a disease, or unreasonably delays medical treatment.
If you were hurt or a loved one was wrongfully killed by the negligent act or omission of a health care provider in New Mexico, you may be eligible to receive monetary compensation for your harm. In our state, tort claims like medical negligence are currently subject to a financial damages cap. Because the time frame during which you may file your medical negligence claim is limited, you should consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able after any suspected instances of medical malpractice.
Please contact the Fine Law Firm if you or a family member was hurt or died as a result of medical malpractice in New Mexico. Our caring Santa Fe medical negligence attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping the victims of devastating injuries receive the financial compensation they deserve. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a capable advocate, do not hesitate to give the hardworking lawyers at the Fine Law Firm a call at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Three Teens Killed in Cuba Rollover Crash Were Not Wearing a Seat Belt, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 22, 2013
High School Athletes in New Mexico May Suffer Concussions Despite Safety Laws, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
Judge grants new trial in wrongful-death case, by Tom Sharpe, Santa Fe New Mexican