Attorney Scott D. Camassar has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Norwich Internal Medicine & Multispecialty Care LLC and three of its member physicians on account of the death of 87-year-old Jennie C. Woodruff, who died on June 28, 2007 following a heart attack. 
 
Ms. Woodruff, who suffered from kidney disease and was at risk for heart conditions, was admitted to Haven Health Center of Jewett City for physical therapy and rehabilitation on June 10, 2007.  During the course of her stay at the nursing home, Ms. Woodruff developed chest pain, which became progressively worse.  By June 17th, she was complaining of epigastric pain and related symptoms.  Her complaints continued over the next 10 days as her pain increased despite being treated for indigestion, nausea, and stomach upset.  On June 27th, Ms. Woodruff's son took her to Backus Hospital in Norwich, where tests determined that she had suffered a heart attack.  She died the next day, her death attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest due to myocardial infarction (heart attack).
 
According to the expert retained by the Law Firm of Stephen M. Reck, Mrs. Woodruff's complaints were typical heart symptoms in older patients suffering from an acute cardiac event, and the physicians caring for Mrs. Woodruff failed to recognize these well known symptoms of heart dysfunction.  By the time her complaints of epigastric (chest) pain intensified, "a diagnosis of coronary insufficiency should have been considered, at which time reasonable standards of care would have required at least a new electrocardiogram and a troponin level [test].  Had that standard been followed, it is more likely than not that Mrs. Woodruff would have been transferred much earlier to Backus, where intervention would, more likely than not, have saved her life."  By failing to provide her with adequate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, "Mrs. Woodruff experienced a premature death."

 

Matthew is an 18 month old boy from Avon, CT who was born with Menkes Disease, a rare neurological degenerative disease afflicting only one in 300,000 children. He is currently "beating the odds" and is smiling, laughing, and thriving. To extend his life expectancy as well as quality, he is to undergo an experimental treatment on January 10, 2009.  Please consider what your small donation could do for this young boy and his family, who are faced with exorbitant costs for expensive treatment, medicines, therapies, and travel for Menkes research.  If you would like to make a donation, please send it to:
 
MATTHEW COLE YOUNG
C/O THE SIMSBURY BANK
27 Dale Road
PO Box 819
Avon, CT 06001

 

On behalf of Matthew and his family, thanks for your generosity, thoughts, and prayers.

When a retailer files for bankruptcy protection, the consumer is considered an unsecured creditor in the bankruptcy, which means the store's gift cards have no value.  Bankruptcy filings in retail tend to peak in January. "So if you do get a gift card for the holidays, use it as quickly as possible."  Read more. 

Still concerned about lead paint in your babies' toys? Or harmful BPA in plastics? Or other dangerous products for babies and kids? You're not alone. Papoose, the maternity, babies and kids store in Norwich, CT says business is booming because they have the products parents want, including an array of natural toys and products for your family. Check out their website and extensive on-line store.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, describes his vision for healthcare reform in a recently released paper called Call to Action: Health Reform 2009. Get the report here.