Undiagnosed Pulmonary Embolism Leads to Death

A 28-year-old man went to an emergency room pale and diaphoretic, with progressive shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and with concerning respiratory rates and oxygen levels. However, the emergency room discharged him without consideration for pulmonary embolism. Approximately 17 hours after discharge he became unresponsive at his parents’ home, was transported back to the emergency room, and died of a pulmonary embolism. WKW alleged that a d-dimer test should have been performed and that pulmonary embolism should have been considered. WKW took the deposition of the emergency room physician, and proceeded to the Medical Review Panel where they received a 3-0 unanimous opinion in the plaintiff’s favor. Kent Winingham settled the case soon after.

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