A California jury awarded Maria Theresa Sanchez $9 million when her physicians comitted medical malpractice and negligence by failing to diagnose her brain infection, causing permanent brain damage.

Maria’s Past Medical History

As a child, Maria Theresa Sanchez was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain.” The disorder involves an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. A shunt was installed within her head to drain the excess fluid and relieve any intracranial pressure caused by the condition.

Negligent Doctors fail to Diagnose Infection

In 2003, Maria (37) walked into the emergency room at Downey Regional Medical Center in California with complaints of severe headaches and vomiting. Maria was sent home with Tylenol. A few days later, after her symptoms worsened, Maria returned the ER, where doctors determined that it would be necessary to check her for a shunt related brain infection. She was transferred to Lakewood Regional Hospital, but her treating physician did not include any of Sanchez’s within her report, and the consulting neurologist at Lakewood failed to look at any of her records. He also didn’t test for the infection she was sent to Lakewood to be tested for. Sanchez’s condition worsed and she was finally admitted to the Lakewood ER after she fell out of her wheelchair.

The infected shunt was finally removed from Sanchez, but she had already sustained moderate brain damage. Today, Sanchez is partially paralyzed, cannot walk, has slurred speech, cannot eat unassisted, and continues to experience pain.

The care Maria Sanchez received was negligent and irresponsible. It is basic protocol to check previous medical history before treating a patient. Had the neurologist looked at Maria’s records, he would have known she had a shunt in her brain, and would have immediately tested for infection, saving Maria from the permanent brain damage she suffered.

NJ and PA Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you or a loved on have suffered at the hands of a negligent doctor or hospital, please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Our medical malpractice attorneys are willing and eager to help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.