Kaiser Missed Stroke Symptoms, Woman Says

SAN BERNARDINO (CN) - A woman was permanently disabled when Kaiser medical staff failed to diagnose symptoms of a stroke, she claims, through her guardian ad litem, in court.

Courtney Cheek and her husband Daniel O'Donnell claim doctors at a Kaiser hospital in San Bernardino County should have recognized the signs and symptoms of vasculitis and other conditions, which ultimately led to a stroke and other "unnecessary procedures" and "further testing." Not only that, Cheek was permanently injured and disfigured, according to the complaint.

Due to Kaiser's negligence, "plaintiff was injured in health, strength and activity, sustaining severe shock, disfigurement and injury to the body, all of which said injuries have caused and continue to cause plaintiff great physical, emotional and nervous pain and suffering, and which said injuries plaintiff is informed and believe, and thereon allege, will result in loss of earnings, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life and impairment of earning capacity all to plaintiff's damage in a sum in excess of the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court," the complaint states.

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die, according to MedicineNet.com. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms including hardening of the arteries and vasculitis, a condition where the blood vessels become inflamed, causing decreased blood flow to brain tissue.

The plaintiffs say they have incurred, and will continue to incur, medical expenses for indefinite medical care and hospitalization.

They are suing for general damages, medical expenses and loss of past and future earning capacity based on medical negligence and loss of consortium.

Thomas E. Donahue and Nichole D. Podgurski, of Donahue & Horrow in El Segundo, represent the plaintiffs.

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