Anytime an individual is admitted into the hospital, whether it is for surgery, to undergo a medical procedure, or to give birth, they run the risk of complications. The fact is, anything can happen, and while doctors and other healthcare staff are required to provide you with a certain level of care, they can’t always prevent a person’s condition from worsening or from problems arising. However, what they can do, is render the appropriate type of aid that the patient requires in an effort to prevent any such circumstances from arising. If and when a physician or healthcare provider fails to act in the best interest of the patient they are caring for and neglects to provide them with the care and/or treatment they need, they risk being held accountable for any injuries the patient suffers from.
In fact, an obstetrics and gynecology doctor in Columbus, MS was sued by a former patient of his for negligence back in 2016, but it wasn’t until last month when a verdict was reached in the case. According to the Columbus Dispatch, Talanda Blevins of Hamilton was admitted into Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle to give birth and following the delivery, her uterus ruptured. Dr. James Holzhauer, who was her treating physician, then performed four different surgeries all within a few hours. The last surgery, which was referred to as an “abominable hysterectomy” was done in an effort to stop Blevin’s blood loss. The source highlighted that Belvins then had undergone a fifth procedure, which was performed by a different physician, to “repair damage to [her] bladder and other organs which had been caused during the earlier surgeries.”
Blevins later came forward and filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Holzhauer claiming that he “had induced labor before the baby’s head was in the proper position, waited too long to perform a cesarean section, did not perform the hysterectomy when he should have, and left the patient’s bedside multiple times to go home while she was still bleeding severely.” Blevins’ attorney claimed Holzhauer displayed a “lack of care,” although when on the stand during the hearing, the doctor himself stated that he “acted in the best interest of the patient.”
Ultimately, nine out of the 12 jurors assigned to the case ruled that “Holzhauer had been negligent and that Blevins should be awarded damages.” And she was. The source highlighted that the Lowndes County jury awarded Blevins $2.4 million in damages for the “permanent pain and other injuries” she suffered. The Columbus Dispatch also cited that Holzhauer’s OB privileges were permanently suspended at Baptist in February, although it isn’t clear what the reasoning behind the suspension was. Since the incident involving Blevins, Holzhauer also “applied for privileges at NMMC-West Point but has not yet been approved.” Despite the trauma, pain, and suffering Blevins had undergone during childbirth, the source highlighted that her baby was born healthy which is a relief for any parent.
Now, if you recently had a medical procedure performed in Mississippi and you believe the surgeon or treating physician made a medical mistake, we encourage you to contact Madison, MS personal injury attorney William E. Ballard. Medical malpractice cases are some of the more complex types of cases that often arise and it is best that you have a lawyer working on your side, defending your rights while keeping your best interest in mind. To learn more about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Madison and what your damages might be worth, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
You can reach Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
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