As reported by WOKV News, the Florida Times-Union, and others, a widower that witnessed his wife's collapse and death two days after a four-hour long elective surgery, is suing her doctors as they failed to tell her to discontinue the use of oral contraceptives prior to, and after, her surgery.
B.B.'s death certificate states that she died from a pulmonary embolism, also referred to as a blood clot in the lungs, on August 12.
The surgery B.B. had, referred to as a "Mommy Makeover", includes a tummy tuck and other figure enhancing procedures.
B.B., who had been employed as a civil attorney, took a break from work to deliver her first son in March of 2009 and second in June of 2010. The cosmetic surgery was something she desired before returning to the workforce.
The suit names her primary physician, Dr. G.G., of Baptist Primary Care, and her plastic surgeon, Dr. D.C., as the negligent parties. Baptist Primary Care is also listed in the lawsuit as a defendant.
Steve Pajcic, is representing the family. Pajcic has stated that he has evidence that both doctors were aware that B.B. was taking birth control pills at the time of her surgery.
During pre-suit negotiations both doctors allegedly denied any responsibility for B.B.'s death.
Medical practitioners, according to the lawsuit, are well aware that the use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of fatal blood clots following surgery.
Pajcic stated, "The combination of birth control pills with a major surgery of four hours or more is a deadly combination" adding a quote from the Physician's Desk Reference that reads, "oral contraceptives should be discontinued from at least four weeks prior to and for two weeks after elective surgery."
D.B., B.B.'s widow, said, "I do not want this to happen to any other family. I do not think that…children should have to grow up without a mother because a physician did not do their job properly. I have two infant children that I'm raising and trying to be mother and father to both of them, and I fear: 'Can I do this?' It's not possible to replace their mother. It's not possible…"
Pajcic added, "It's a senseless tragedy because it was easily preventable by just following standard medical procedures."
D.B. and his wife were married for seven years, were best friends, and enjoyed the short time they shared as a family of four playing games and taking trips to the beach. D.B. admitted to experiencing some difficulty returning to the things that they had all enjoyed doing together. His eldest boy, now 3, often questions D.B. about B.B. D.B. stated that the boy knows she has died; yet he still expects her to come home.
The damages sought in the lawsuit are yet to be determined.
Medical malpractice can lead to illness and in some instances like this one, death. If you or someone you love has been hurt while under the care of a medical professional contact a medical malpractice attorney today!