Misdiagnosis Leaves Boy Blind and in Uphill Battle to Improve His Ailments

New Haven, CT (Law Firm Newswire) March 6, 2012 – A recent lawsuit shows how important it is for medical professionals to thoroughly diagnosis a patient. In the case of Adam Mlodzinski v. Vernon Pediatrics, Adam was born a normal, active seven-year-old boy. But on Halloween night 2009, he did not feel right and went to see his doctor, pediatrician Dr. Judy Huang-Bulger at Vernon Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

“In a series of events where he was not properly diagnosed and staff blew off his concerns, Adam is now left blind and with other complications such as seizures,” said Connecticut medical malpractice attorney Joel Faxon, who represents Mlodzinski in the case. “His pediatrician failed to diagnose bacterial meningitis and the staff did not also give him the duty of care that he deserved.”

Huang-Bulger diagnosed Adam with an ear infection at first and was given antibiotics. The next day he was still very ill, sensitive to light, and had a bad headache. Adam and his parents made multiple trips to the pediatrician, who then sent him to get a CT scan. His results came out normal so he was told he had a migraine and was given pain medication. After being tucked into bed that night, his parents later found him unresponsive.

They rushed to the hospital where they found he had bacterial meningitis and had to be airlifted to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where he remained in a coma for weeks, notes the Adam’s Adventure website. Once he woke up, he still had to battle seizures, physical ailments, and had lost his vision. His rehabilitation was lengthy and he had to learn how to talk, walk, and eat again, and he still is undergoing rehab.

Bacterial meningitis covers the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, and needs to be promptly treated. The boy should have been sent to the emergency room, not for an outpatient CT scan. “A spinal tap would reveal he had meningitis and they could have given him an IV of antibiotics to stop the progress instead of leaving him blind,” said Faxon. “A receptionist, a doctor, and other medical staff cannot discount a person’s concerns when their condition worsens by the day.”

Adam and his parents are optimistic about his progress and are championing the ability of all kids with special needs to enjoy themselves through the Adam’s Adventure website. Their goal is to raise awareness and enough funds to have a playground for all children in Tolland with special needs to enjoy.

“This lawsuit serves as a reminder that not giving the adequate standard of care can have catastrophic consequences,” said Faxon. “No family should have to go through this.”

To learn more, visit the Connecticut personal injury law firm at http://www.strattonfaxon.com.

Stratton Faxon
59 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Call: 203.624.9500

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