What Happens When Doctors Miss a Stroke?
A hospital bed. Frederic Köberl/Unsplash

Dr Womack and Dr Waldschmidt were both found negligent by a Fulton County state court. Due to diagnostic failures, they were ordered to pay Buckelew £59 million ($75 million) in damages. In addition, the Georgia Court of Appeals upheld a further £31.5 million ($40 million) medical malpractice verdict against Dr Womack.

'This case is heartbreaking because Jonathan's paralysis and brain damage were completely avoidable,' said attorney Lloyd Bell, who represented Buckelew at the Georgia Court of Appeals, as reported by the New York Post.

He added: 'If the healthcare providers involved in Jonathan's care had acted according to the standard of care, caught and treated his stroke earlier and communicated more effectively, Jonathan's life would look entirely different.'

Bell criticised the hospital, saying that despite seeing all the signs and symptoms of a stroke, the doctors never called a medical alert. He added that if the hospital had simply followed its protocols to reach the correct diagnosis, this tragedy could have been avoided. Unfortunately, they ignored their policies and procedures.

Where is Jonathan Buckelew now?

Because of his paralysis, Jonathan Buckelew can only communicate through eye movements. He also uses a keypad, which he operates with his nose. Janice and Jack, his parents, were forced to renovate their home into a 24-hour care centre to look after their son.

Despite winning the legal action against the hospital and doctors, his father remains heartbroken. He said: 'I really feel like there's no real justice for somebody who lost every aspect of his life.'

Jack Buckelew shared that his son wants to do more with his life and visit different places. He added that their son's situation deeply breaks their hearts. Jack further stated: 'There are some days where he's like "pull the plug," so those are the tough days.'

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