Lawsuit Filed After Infant's Death at Hurley Medical Center

Dr. Sudesh Ebenezer, a neurosurgeon in Michigan, has filed a lawsuit against Hurley Medical Center in Flint, claiming that hospital staff "lost track" of a 12-month-old infant who died from a traumatic head injury. The incident occurred on December 9, 2022, when Dr. Ebenezer was called to treat the child. Upon his arrival, he discovered that essential diagnostic tests, including a CT scan and coagulation labs, had not been performed. The lawsuit alleges that hospital staff mistakenly believed the infant had been transferred to another facility, but the child remained at Hurley Medical Center, leading to a delay in necessary medical intervention. The infant died the following day, December 10, 2022.

Kansas City StarPhysician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later diedWKRC - CincinnatiPublished ReporterBedford Times & CitizenKCRA 3

Dr. Ebenezer asserts that he raised "grave concerns" regarding patient safety to multiple hospital employees, including the attending trauma surgeon. Following his complaints, he claims he faced retaliation, including removal from the Neurosurgery Trauma Panel and significant reductions in his income—reportedly by more than sixteen times. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, accuses Hurley Medical Center of violating his First Amendment rights and interfering with his business relationships.

WKRC - CincinnatiPhysician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later diedKansas City StarPublished ReporterBedford Times & CitizenKCRA 3

The lawsuit highlights broader concerns regarding patient safety and accountability within medical facilities. Dr. Ebenezer contends that Hurley Medical Center sought to deflect blame for the infant's death onto him rather than addressing the alleged failures of its staff. The complaint details that no investigations or disciplinary actions were taken against hospital personnel following the incident, raising questions about the hospital's commitment to patient safety and transparency.

Physician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later diedKansas City StarWKRC - CincinnatiPublished ReporterBedford Times & CitizenKCRA 3

As of October 13, 2023, Hurley Medical Center has not publicly commented on the specifics of the lawsuit. The hospital's silence has drawn attention, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations. Dr. Ebenezer's lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for lost earnings and injunctive relief, emphasizing the need for accountability in medical care.

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Critics of Hurley Medical Center's practices have voiced concerns about the hospital's handling of the case and the implications for patient safety. The lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of medical negligence, particularly in trauma care settings where timely intervention is critical.

Physician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later died

While Dr. Ebenezer's lawsuit provides detailed allegations regarding the hospital's negligence, there has been no independent verification of the claims made against Hurley Medical Center. The absence of a public response from the hospital leaves gaps in the narrative, particularly regarding the hospital's internal protocols and the actions taken following the incident.

Physician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later died

• “Hurley blamed Plaintiff, an independent contractor, for the patient care incident at issue to silence his complaints and pass the blame onto him, as opposed to implicating its direct employees of its prestigious Level I Trauma Center,” — Dr. Sudesh Ebenezer, Neurosurgeon

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• “At no time prior to the night of Dec. 9, 2022, did Hurley ever raise questions or concerns regarding the timeliness of any response to calls to Dr. Ebenezer,” — Dr. Sudesh Ebenezer, Neurosurgeon

Kansas City Star

The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications for Hurley Medical Center and its reputation as a Level I Trauma Center, as well as for broader discussions about accountability in healthcare.

Physician sues after hospital allegedly ‘lost track’ of pediatric patient, who later died