Medical mistake leads to wrongful death suit

A family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the heart surgeon, his medical staff, and the hospital after a medical sponge was left in their loved one’s chest following surgery, which they believe led to his death.

The 89 year-old man went to the hospital for heart valve replacement and bypass surgery two years ago. After his operation, the family claims the medical staff failed to count the sponges. It took three days before it was discovered one was left inside of him.

Another doctor attempted to retrieve the sponge, but the man died from uncontrolled bleeding while in surgery. Both the doctor and the medical staff claim the man died from preexisting heart problems, not from their medical mistake.