The widow of a 28-year-old heart patient has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple healthcare providers, claiming their failure to diagnose a serious heart condition led to her husband’s untimely death. Brandon Hopps, who visited the emergency room at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota, Illinois, was misdiagnosed with acute pericarditis despite presenting symptoms indicative of a more severe condition.
Brandon Hopps, who had been experiencing chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, arrived at the emergency room in April 2023. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and multiple blood tests, his D-dimer levels were found to be elevated. Clinicians ordered a CT angiography (CTA) exam, which was reviewed by a radiologist. Despite the clear signs of aortic dissection, Hopps was diagnosed with acute pericarditis and sent home on medication. Four days later, he tragically died from cardiac tamponade and a ruptured aortic dissection.
The lawsuit claims that the radiologist failed to detect the signs of aortic dissection in Hopps’ CTA results, which directly contributed to his death. The lawsuit names OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, Central Illinois Radiological Associates, and Dr. Derek Beatty as defendants. The plaintiff has requested a jury trial and seeks a judgment of at least $50,000 in damages.
Attorney Jim McPhedran, representing the plaintiff, emphasized the tragedy, stating, “What happened to this family is a tragedy that should never have occurred. Patients trust their doctors and hospitals to make the correct diagnoses. When that trust is broken, families suffer unimaginable losses.”
Attorney Nick Flowers added, “These errors are preventable, and patients deserve better.” The plaintiffs hope the lawsuit will not only bring justice to the family but also serve as a wake-up call to healthcare providers to prioritize accurate diagnoses.
This case highlights the critical importance of thorough diagnosis and attention to detail in healthcare. The misdiagnosis of Brandon Hopps’ condition serves as a painful reminder that healthcare providers must prioritize patient care and accuracy to avoid preventable tragedies.
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