$1.83 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict - Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City, Utah - The law firm of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC obtained a $1.83 million jury verdict in a medical malpractice case against North Canyon Care Center. The case was tried in the Third Judicial District Court, Salt Lake County; Case No. 140908104, Cheryl Sprague vs. Avalon Care Center - Bountiful 350 South, LLC dba North Canyon Care Center.
The lawyers of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC represented Cheryl Sprague, the wife of the late Morley Reed Sprague. According to the lawsuit, Mr. Sprague died as a result of negligence by the staff at North Canyon Care Center. The claim that was filed stated that the medical staff's failure to follow instructions regarding pressure sores contributed to a deterioration of Mr. Sprague's health that eventually resulted in his death.
The jury in the case decided on the $1.83 million verdict on November 14, 2017.
Information on the Medical Malpractice Case
According to court documents, Mr. Sprague (then age 57) was hospitalized with sepsis and a urinary tract infection on August 11, 2012. Prior to his hospitalization, Mr. Sprague suffered from severe, end-stage multiple sclerosis that left him frail and wheelchair bound. Because Mr. Sprague was unable to change his position without assistance, he had a high risk of developing pressure sores and ulcers if his body remained in the same position for a prolonged amount of time.
According to court documents, on August 23, 2012, Mr. Sprague was discharged from the hospital and admitted to North Canyon Care Center. The staff at North Canyon Care Center was made aware of Mr. Sprague's risk for pressure sores and were notified that Mr. Sprague be turned every two hours to address these issues. Altering Mr. Sprague's position as directed would help prevent the development of new pressure sores and avoid the deterioration of any existing pressure sores.
According to the claim, while at North Canyon Care Center, Mr. Sprague experienced deterioration of existing pressure sores. He also developed a new stage IV pressure ulcer on his right buttock. Mr. Sprague was discharged from North Canyon Care Center with a pressure wound that failed to heal.
Mr. Sprague lived with this unhealed wound for 20 months, during which time he underwent extensive antibiotic treatments and professional interventions. No medical procedures proved effective. At the end of this 20-month period, Mr. Sprague elected to enter hospice care. He passed away a few months later.
The Jury Decision
The jury for this medical malpractice case ruled in favor of the family of the late Mr. Sprague. According to court documents, they awarded Mrs. Sprague and her family $1,833,000.
Experienced Lawyers Committed to Their Clients
When a tragic, preventable death occurs, it's important that the doctors or the medical facilities responsible for the incident be held accountable. Many medical malpractice lawsuits are resolved before going to trial. When these cases do go to trial, they can take time to be resolved and require legal experience to see through to the end.
The medical malpractice lawyers of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC always fight diligently for their clients. Whether settling a case out of court or going to trial, Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC will offer reliable, compassionate legal counsel. This caring, client-focused approach to legal matters can offer crucial peace of mind during the litigation process. It can take years before a resolution or verdict is reached, which is why it's so important to work with attorneys that can be trusted every step of the way.
Contact Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC
For more information about medical malpractice lawsuits and what legal options are available following a mistake by a medical professional, contact the law firm of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC. The law firm can also be contacted at the address and phone number provided below.
Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC
257 E. 200 Street, Suite 1080
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 335-7025