Toledo doctor must pay $1.2M in malpractice suit

9/13/2008

A Clayton, Mich., couple was awarded nearly $1.2 million by a Lucas County Common Pleas Court jury in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against a Toledo doctor.

A jury decided Wednesday after a two-day trial that Dr. Patrick White, whose office, according to court documents, is at 4041 West Sylvania Ave., was negligent in his care of Chad Wellman, who underwent hernia surgery in June, 2003.

During the procedure, Mr. Wellman s small bowel was nicked but was not repaired at the time, causing him to have a septic reaction that included an extended hospital stay. As part of his treatment for the nicked bowel, Mr. Wellman incurred several hundred thousand dollars worth of medical bills.

Dr. White, in a June, 2007, response denying any negligence, said the patient knew of and appreciated risks and hazards involved in the medical treatment.

The $1,115,210.68 awarded to Mr. Wellman included money for bills not covered by insurance. His wife, Mindy Wellman, was awarded $50,544 for being deprived the comfort, companionship, society, and services of her husband.