Jury Awards $6 Million to Family in Malpractice Lawsuit

The family of a Pennsylvania woman, who died of internal bleeding and complications after a heart surgery, was awarded $6 million by a jury as damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against York Hospital and Cardiac Diagnostic Associates in York Township.

The York Dispatch reported that Sherrie Ann Burkhardt, 53, was admitted to the hospital after she complained of chest pains. Tests revealed that she had suffered a heart attack and one of her coronary arteries was nearly blocked. A cardiologist performed a successful surgery to remove the blockage.

But the jury said it was the care Burkhardt received after the surgery that was negligent, including the failure to order tests despite the presence of symptoms suggesting possible internal bleeding. The bleeding was eventually discovered and surgically repaired but the suit contends Burkhardt wouldn't have died if the problem were dealt with sooner.

The jury found the hospital's third-year chief resident and the on-call cardiologist from Cardiac Diagnostic Associates negligent in their care of the patient following the surgery. The hospital was found to be 75 percent at fault and Cardiac Diagnostic Associates 25 percent at fault, reports the York Dispatch.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical malpractice, contact Sokolove Law today for a free consultation and to find out if a medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help you.

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