2.15 Million Settlement Reached in Army Malpractice Claim

In Tennessee and all across the country, when people go into doctors’ offices or hospitals, they expect to receive the proper medical tests and treatments in order to make them feel better. Unfortunately, sometimes physicians and other medical staff fail to properly test for certain illnesses or conditions and this may lead to serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you care about feel that you have failed to receive proper medical treatment or care while at the doctor or in the hospital, then you should speak with a Tennessee medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

According to this lawsuit which claimed that medical professionals at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, failed to test Staff Sergeant Adam Cloer’s wife for rectal cancer despite constant symptoms. Also, according to the lawsuit her cancer spread and even with multiple surgeries she died in May of 2010 at age fifty-three.

Based on information from the lawsuit, Melodee Cloer went into the Ft. Campbell Hospital with symptoms in 2006 complaining of pain, blood in her stool, and constipation. The lawsuit also stated that she went to the hospital several times with symptoms but received a hemorrhoids diagnosis. A bariatric surgeon recommended that the hospital perform a colonoscopy but the hospital failed to follow up on the recommend or perform any rectal cancer screenings.

In 2007, her husband received orders to move to a New Army Installment in Missouri where his wife learned that her cancer had spread. She received chemotherapy and radiation treatment as well as had multiple surgeries to remove some of her organs. Following her death in 2010, Staff Sergeant Cloer filed an amended complaint claiming that the hospital’s negligence when diagnosing and treating his wife’s cancer resulted in her death.

The federal government denied the malpractice claim and claimed that the lawsuit was filed too late under Tennessee’s medical malpractice statues. Both sides agreed to a settlement of $2.15 million before the July trial was set to begin. This settlement is subject to final approval by the U.S. Attorney General.

Cases similar to this one unfortunately occur too frequently all across the United States and even right here in Tennessee. If you or someone you love feels that you were not given the proper medical treatment or care while at the doctor in the hospital, then we strongly encourage you to contact one of our caring and experienced Tennessee medical malpractice attorneys immediately. We care about our clients and will work with you to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.

Author Bio

Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.

Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.

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