Toledo Hospital, physician found negligent in ’11 death

2/19/2014
BLADE STAFF

A jury in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday found a Toledo physician negligent in his care of a Maumee man who later died, awarding damages of $4 million to the man’s widow.

Following a two-week trial before Judge Myron Duhart, jurors deliberated Friday evening and Tuesday morning before announcing their verdicts about 12:20 p.m.

The jury found Dr. Patrick White and the Toledo Hospital negligent in the May 21, 2011, death of Brady Woessner, 39. The jury determined that a second defendant, Dr. Timothy Quinn, a radiologist, was not negligent.

According to court records, Mr. Woessner was admitted to Toledo Hospital with abdominal pain Feb. 17, 2011. While Dr. Quinn had noted a possible bowel ischemia — a blood deficiency from an obstruction — Dr. White did not treat him for the emergency condition and his condition worsened. Mr. Woessner was transferred to the University of Michigan Health System where a blood clot and the ischemia were diagnosed, but infection set in and he later died.

Jeffrey Stewart, attorney for Mr. Woessner’s widow, Catherine, said they were pleased with the verdict.

“We think the jury understood the focus of the case very well and worked their hearts out in incredibly difficult weather conditions and over long hours, coming in early and staying late to get this done,” Mr. Stewart said. “The case was a very hard fought one but very fairly fought.”

Toledo Hospital released the following written statement after the verdict: “We offer our deepest condolences to the Woessner family for the loss of their loved one.

“While this was a tragic outcome, we do not agree that the care provided is properly reflected in today’s verdict. At this point, we are still considering further legal options.”

— Jennifer Feehan