Woman's family sues hospitals, doctors for wrongful death from misdiagnosed brain hemorrhage

The family of a woman who died of an allegedly misdiagnosed brain hemorrhage in 2013 has filed a wrongful death suit against two hospitals and numerous doctors who examined her.

Shicheng Guo, as special administrator of the estate of Shiqian Bao, brought a complaint May 4 in Cook County Circuit Court against Swedish Covenant Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and naming doctors Joseph Lo, Kamran Kamal, Joseph Ogarek, Robert Kellogg and George Bovis as respondents in discovery in a July 2013 incident.

According to the complaint, Shiqian Bao went to the Swedish Covenant emergency room on July 10, 2013, with a severe headache. Lo ordered a CT scan, and Kamal, a radiologist, interpreted the imaging, the suit states. Documents indicate Bao had incurred a subarachnoid hemorrhage and was released from the hospital the same day without intervention.

Bao went to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital on July 11, 2013 and was examined by Ogarek, Kellogg and Bovis. More tests were ordered, allegedly misread again, and the patient was again sent home.

The filing states Shiqian Bao was pronounced dead on July 15, 2013, of non-traumatic intra-parenchymal cerebral hemorrhage.

The lawsuit cites breach of duty by all hospital staff, specifically, misreading CT scans; failing to diagnose the bleed, provide competent radiology services and administer medication; and neglecting to advise the ER staff of the woman’s condition.

Allegations also include failure to enforce policy related to head trauma. Citing pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement and medical expenses, Shicheng Guo seeks compensation in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. The plaintiff is represented in the case by Terrence Quinn and Elise Waisbren, of Phillips Law Offices in Chicago.
---
Cook County Circuit Court Case No.: 15-L-4606