Failure of Visiting Nurses to Monitor Patient
The Canon Case
Mr. Canon was under the care of his primary care physician, and was homebound due to a previous stroke. Because of his immobility, he was at risk for pressure wounds to his legs. His primary care physician ordered a prescription for nursing care to be provided in his home to care for an evaluate him.
The nurses performed their initial evaluation, changed the bandages and monitored the progression of the wounds.
They continued to return for follow-up visits, and continued to simply change the dressings on the wounds without any real follow-up care.
Finally after a month and half, a new nurse came, and noticed that the wounds had not only gotten bigger, but also had multiplied, and recommended an emergency transport to the hospital.
Mr. Canon was taken to the hospital where one of his legs was amputated, and received continued care for the other wounds.
The case was prepared for trial, and before trial, the nursing company agreed to settle the case for a substantial figure.