Malpractice Suit Filed Against Doctors and Nurses Following Patient’s Death

Several medical professionals at the Schneider Regional Medical Center are facing a lawsuit for malpractice in connection with a patient’s death. The family of Jahnai Niles claims he did not receive the appropriate care for his condition and symptoms.

The civil suit was submitted last week in the Superior Court of the territory. Named in the complaint are doctors Thomas Launch, Immett Habtes, and Michael Fisher, along with ten unnamed nurses and staff members. The case revolves around the care provided to Niles, who passed away in October 2024, just days after being admitted to the hospital.

According to the suit, Niles initially visited the emergency department of Schneider Hospital in September 2024, citing chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. He had been experiencing these symptoms for weeks. During this initial visit, he received treatment and was discharged with antibiotics and instructions for a follow-up.

The complaint indicates that his symptoms continued until he returned to the hospital on October 15. He was admitted with “multifocal pneumonia with confluent lower lobe opacities, and recommended clinical correlation for aspiration.” Yet, due to ongoing nausea and vomiting, a “gastrointestinal procedure” could not be arranged until the following week.

Furthermore, the lawsuit states, “the records do not reflect a protective airway and aspiration prevention plan” that suited his continuing symptoms and imaging results, which raised concerns about aspiration. The suit also notes that an echocardiogram was ordered but allegedly not conducted in a timely manner. “The records do not reflect timely escalation to cardiology or any other measures to ensure a prompt evaluation of ventricular function,” the complaint states.

Making matters worse, the lawsuit points out, sedatives meant for sleep were prescribed to a patient being treated for pneumonia and ongoing respiratory issues. “The records do not reflect a monitoring plan suitable for Mr. Niles’ risk profile,” the complaint claims. In addition to the insufficient diagnostic and medical care, the suit also mentions an incident where Niles attempted to stand and fell. Although the call button was pressed for assistance, “staff response was delayed,” leading to Niles being found unresponsive and without a pulse. He could not be resuscitated, and the autopsy revealed severe cardiomyopathy.

The lawsuit accuses the named doctors of medical malpractice, stating they “breached the standard of care” by neglecting to address Niles’ conditions properly. It also holds the medical professionals accountable for his wrongful death. The complaint asks for damages for Niles’ pain and suffering, his potential loss of earnings, and his medical and funeral costs. Additionally, it seeks consideration for the mental anguish experienced by his mother.

As of now, there has been no legal response from the defendants.