Christopher L. Musmanno Secures $330,000 Settlement in Case Involving Death Following Hospital Discharge

Christopher L. Musmanno, Chair of the Accidents/Personal Injury practice and a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, obtained a $330,000 settlement on behalf of the estate of a 32-year-old woman who died after seeking alcohol detoxification at a hospital emergency department.

According to the claims in the case, the woman arrived with a blood-alcohol content of 0.345 and abnormal electrolyte levels. Despite her condition, she allegedly received little to no treatment and was discharged the following day while still symptomatic. The emergency room physician responsible for her care during an eight-hour period allegedly did not personally examine her before discharge.

“This case focused on whether a patient seeking help for alcohol detoxification received appropriate evaluation and treatment before being discharged,” said Musmanno. “Our claim addressed the physician’s alleged failure to recognize and respond to her risk of withdrawal.”

The woman died later that morning. The estate alleged that she experienced severe alcohol withdrawal resulting in cardiac arrest and that the physician failed to meet the applicable standard of care by not personally evaluating her or ordering medication to prevent withdrawal.

The matter settled for a total of $330,000.