posted
Maybe we should all consider this!? (Note the date!) Wonder how the verdict read?
From the Waterbury, CT, Republican-American Friday March 5, 1999 By Gale Courey Toensing
SALISBURY- A Salisbury woman has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Peter Gott, claiming she suffered severe and debilitating injuries because he failed to provide a prompt diagnosis of her Lyme disease.
Jennifer Zwicky, of (address) filed a civil action against Gott in Litchfield Superior Court earlier this week, claiming his failure to diagnose and treat her Lyme disease in a timely manner resulted in the progressive deterioration of her condition and caused her to suffer "great emotional trauma."
Gott declined to comment Thursday. "I'm not commenting until we get into the courtroom," Gott said.
According to the complaint, a tick bit Zwicky on her right hip on June 29, 1997. The tick was removed that same day. A week or so later, Zwicky consulted Gott about a swollen rash and pain in her hip, where the tick had bitten her.
Zwicky said she returned to Gott on July 11, 1997, and two more times during that month, reporting flu-like symptoms, including joint pain.
Gott diagnosed Zwicky as suffering from a condition known as zoster, or shingles, and prescribed pain medication and two doses of a medication called Famvir.
Zwicky's lawsuit said her symptoms worsened and she returned to Gott on Aug. 11, 1997, reporting a swollen jaw and an inability to chew.
Gott did not order a blood test between July and October, nor did her treat Zwicky for Lyme disease during that period, according to the complaint.
A blood test for Lyme disease was performed in November and resulted in a positive reading. At that point, Gott diagnosed Zwicky with Lyme disease and began antibiotic treatment.
But Zwicky says the diagnosis came too late. The delay "constituted a deviation from the applicable standards of care," which resulted in Zwicky suffering severe, painful and debilitating injuries, the complaint said.
Zwicky, who may be unable to pursue her usual activities, including employment, has incurred debts for medical care and treatment, diagnostic studies, home care and medicines, "and will be obligated for further such sums in the future," the complaint said.
Zwicky could not be reached Thursday. She is represented by Kathryn Calihey of Ricassi & Davis in Hartford. A spokesman at the law firm said Thursday Zwicky is claiming damages of more than $15,000. Claims must be more than $15,000 to be filed in Superior Court, the spokesman said.
In Connecticut, plaintiffs do not ask for a specific amount of money in damages, instead, the court decides the amount of damages to be awarded, the spokesman said.
-------------------- nan Posts: 2135 | From Tick Country | Registered: Oct 2000
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Foggy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1584
posted
Problem is, good luck finding a lawyer to front the costs or an expert who will testify.
Lyme cases are heavy lifting & few chasers will chase them.
Posts: 2451 | From Lyme Central | Registered: Aug 2001
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Unfortunately, I don't believe any of us will get anywhere with lawsuits against individual doctors. The problem isn't their fault. They are being fed inadequate and inaccurate information from the prevailing authorities, namely the IDSA and the CDC.
And frankly, protesting and marching could backfire on us. If we get media coverage at all, we need it to be the right kind or it will be the equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot. We don't need any more negative press - that we are all whining hypochondriacs.
And don't forget this:
Graduates of the EIS (Epidemic Intelligence Service) - a CDC affiliated group that most Steerites belong to - are sent in to occupy strategic positions in the US health infrastructure, taking leadership at federal and state health agencies, in academia, industry and the media . http://lyme-rage.info/bwsept06.html
No, I think we are going to have to sue the IDSA, and probably individuals of the CDC, EIS, NIH, etc. in some kind of class-action lawsuit.
Just my opinion.
I applaud this woman in the article for trying though!
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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