Facing possible charges for the mix-up, a Brooklyn hospital confused a live patient with a recently deceased one, causing a family a great deal of grief in the process.
Ninety-three-year-old Ella Abrams had been admitted to Kingbrook Jewish Medical Center when she had trouble breathing. When concerned relatives called for an update on her condition, they were told by hospital staff that she had expired.
Abrams great-granddaughter reported to the hospital to retrieve her things and found her in bed. When the young woman touched her head to say goodbye to what she thought was a dead body, Abrams opened her eyes and turned her head. The great grandaughter reportedly screamed in fright.
Reports say that a woman with a similar sounding name had died earlier in the day, leading to the mix-up and subsequent trauma. The family, still in shock from the incident, is determining whether to file charges. The hospital is investigating.
Although Ms. Abrams was sound after her injuries, the trauma obviously would have been substantial for the rest of the family. Experts in dealing with similar situations are helpful in giving direction to families involved. The Jimmy Doan Law Firm has extensive experience in personal injury and can assist any family suffering this type of injury. Contact the Doan Law Firm, P.C., led by Houston personal injury attorney Jimmy Doan, at 1 Riverway, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 869-4747 or (800) 910-FIRM.