Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
It is worth noting that situations similar to those described in this medical malpractice case could just as easily occur at any of the healthcare facilities in the area, such as Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy, Methodist, or Sutter.
(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this personal injury lawsuit and its proceedings.)
The plaintiff returned one week later on August 23, 2009, complaining of severe left knee pain. Dr. Hall did not observe any bruising, gaps or tears in the muscle, or bogginess like after the November 14 surgery, but instead noted that plaintiff had good range of motion and strong quadriceps. Dr. Hall advised plaintiff to follow up in three to four weeks.
When the plaintiff returned on September 13, 2009, she complained to a physician assistant that she could not walk without discomfort. However, Dr. Hall examined plaintiff while she was walking and observed her gait to be normal with no pain. Plaintiff described a feeling of insecurity with the patella. Dr. Hall noted plaintiffs quadriceps were intact with good tone and power. Range of motion was normal and she could perform SLR. He prescribed a stabilizing brace because he observed that the patella seemed to be off and told her to follow up in four weeks.
Plaintiff returned on October 6, 2009 complaining of severe pain and a burning sensation in her left knee. Dr. Hall found plaintiff’s quadriceps continuing to improve and had good strength, extension, and flexion. The x-rays were satisfactory with some lateral subluxation, but clinically, Dr. Hall felt plaintiff was doing well.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
The radiology report from this date showed approximately 50% lateral offset of the patella and prosthesis. However, according to Dr. Hall, because she was clinically doing well he was not impressed by the x-ray. This was plaintiff’s last interaction with Dr. Hall. Dr. Hall recommended a home exercise program. Plaintiff was advised to follow up in four weeks.
On November 2, 2009, plaintiff returned to Dr. White for a second opinion, as she was experiencing burning pain radiating down the lateral aspect of the lower leg from the knee to her ankle. Dr. White examined plaintiff and discovered full knee extension and flexion to 115 degrees with the patella tracking laterally. Dr. White told her she needed more time to heal after plaintiff stated she wanted to review the x-rays ordered by Dr. Hall on October 6th. Plaintiff requested a third opinion and Dr. White offered to refer her to Dr. Michael Wong, a physician unaffiliated with National Medical Clinic. (See Part 6 of 9.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.