65-year-old woman has ‘fatal fall’ after X-ray at MUSC, SC lawsuit says
65-year-old woman has ‘fatal fall’ after X-ray at MUSC, SC lawsuit says
A husband is suing the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) after his wife died because of a fall at the medical center for medical malpractice.
Julius McCullar said his wife required extensive medical treatment after the incident and she was consequently removed from the liver transplant list before she died. Elizabeth passed away on July 27, 2021 after she “suffered significant and ultimately fatal injuries” the complaint states.
In December 2022, Jescelyn Spitz, a Rikard & Protopapas attorney, filed the lawsuit for medical malpactice against MUSC in Charleston County court on behalf of Julius’ wife.
According to the suit, Elizabeth McCullar had a procedure to remove excess fluid around her lungs at MUSC on July 12, 2021. She then had a chest x-ray to determine if she had a collapsed lung.
Following the x-ray, Elizabeth felt weak and fell to the floor hitting her head and shoulder. She suffered a displaced humerus fracture due to the fall. The suit alleges that MUSC knew or should have known that Elizabeth was at risk for a dangerous fall because she was weak and unstable at the time of her x-ray.
Julius McCullar believes the hospital should’ve taken reasonable measures to provide safer conditions for his wife. MUSC failed to provide safety rails and other reasonable preventives in addition to recognizing Elizabeth as a fall risk after the x-ray, the suit states.
Elizabeth’s serious injuries resulted in additional medical care, expenses, suffering, and immense mental and physical pain. Julius is seeking damages in the wrongful death and survival negligence case.
South Carolina Medical Negligence Cases
Our attorneys represent victims of medical negligence and medical malpractice throughout South Carolina. Unfortunately, we are too familiar with stories like Elizabeth and Julius McCullar’s experience at MUSC. Families have the right to question the care they receive to determine if they were a victim of negligent care or medical malpractice.
Rikard & Protopapas has decades of experience and success with medical negligence cases and are ready to fight for victims and their loved ones. If you believe you or someone you know received negligent medical care, please contact us immediately.