At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we represent patients and families harmed by medical negligence and nursing home abuse or neglect. The results below highlight examples of cases where our firm has held healthcare providers and care facilities accountable for preventable harm. While every case is unique, these outcomes reflect our commitment to pursuing justice for injured patients and their families.
$625,000 for Nursing Home Negligence
Our firm secured a $625,000 settlement on behalf of the estate of a 77-year-old assisted living resident who suffered fatal injuries after a fall during a transfer by facility staff. The resident, who had right-sided paralysis and required assistance moving from bed to chair, fell while staff were using a patient lift. She sustained a fractured leg and head injury and passed away days later.
The nursing home denied responsibility, arguing the fall may have been caused by a seizure and that the resident’s death was related to preexisting medical conditions. After filing a lawsuit, conducting an investigation, coordinating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and taking employee depositions that supported claims of negligence, we obtained a $625,000 settlement for the resident’s family before the case went to trial.
$535,000 for Surgical Sponge Left in Patient for Over a Year
We secured a $535,000 settlement for an 18-year-old patient after a surgical sponge was left inside her abdomen following a laparotomy at a Massachusetts hospital. Despite multiple documented sponge and instrument counts during the procedure, the foreign object went undetected for nearly a year while the patient experienced persistent fever, flu-like symptoms, and eventually a painful lump in her groin.
A CT scan ultimately revealed the retained sponge, requiring two additional procedures to remove it. Although the medical staff denied responsibility and records indicated correct counts, our firm successfully resolved the case at mediation for $535,000. We also secured a waiver of the client’s health insurance lien.
$150,000 for Surgical Sponge Left Inside Patient
We secured a $150,000 settlement for an 85-year-old patient who required additional surgery after a sponge was left inside her abdomen following an exploratory laparotomy at a Massachusetts hospital. Although surgical staff documented that all sponge and instrument counts were correct during the procedure, the patient developed severe abdominal pain and fever three months later.
A CT scan revealed the retained surgical sponge, which required another operation to remove it. The defendants denied responsibility for the error, and concerns arose about whether the elderly patient could participate in prolonged litigation. Our firm pushed for early mediation and leveraged its experience in retained foreign object cases to resolve the matter with a $150,000 settlement within one month of filing the lawsuit.
$120,000 for Medical Malpractice After Lab Error
A woman who was five months pregnant underwent an unnecessary exploratory surgery after a laboratory’s negligent biopsy results incorrectly indicated she had a dangerous form of cancer that threatened both her life and her unborn child. Acting on the alarming diagnosis, doctors performed a minor exploratory procedure without general anesthesia due to the pregnancy.
More than three weeks after issuing the original results and one week after the surgery, the lab informed the patient that the diagnosis was incorrect and that the biopsy actually showed no cancer or abnormalities. The incident, considered a preventable “never event” in medical practice, resulted in a $120,000 medical malpractice award for the patient.
Confidential Settlement After Wheelchair User Dropped by Ambulance Personnel
We represented a double amputee who suffered injuries after being dropped by ambulance personnel while being carried up the stairs to his home. Instead of using a proper stair carrier, the responders attempted to lift the client in his wheelchair. During the attempt, they lost control, and the wheelchair fell down the stairs. The client struck his head, briefly lost consciousness, and sustained a collarbone injury. The case was resolved with a confidential settlement on behalf of the injured client.
Speak With an Experienced Massachusetts Medical Negligence Attorney
If you believe a loved one was harmed due to medical malpractice or nursing home negligence, you’re not alone. We are prepared to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue accountability and compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation by calling (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
