Families sue, and the wrong patient is taken off life support

Several families are suing PeaceHealth Southwestern Medical Center, a hospital in Vancouver, Washington, after the wrong patient, David WellsHe was reportedly taken off life support.

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Here’s what happened to David Wells

According to New York PostWells was taken to the medical center on August 8, 2021, after choking on a piece of meat. Wells was reportedly unconscious and not breathing and was subsequently placed on life support.

“Somewhere along the line, Mr. Wells was incorrectly identified as his roommate, Plaintiff Michael Buehler,” the lawsuit states, according to Miami Herald.

According to the outlet, hospital officials reportedly “thought Wells was Buehler” and called Buehler’s sister, Debbie Danielson, to make a “life or death” decision.

“They said, ‘He’s basically brain dead.’ Do you want us to keep him on life support, or do you want to pull the plug?'” Danielson explained to reporters.

Ultimately, Danielson made the decision to take her brother off life support. Then, about a week later, Debbie Danielson reportedly received a phone call from her “dead” brother New York Post.

“You can’t be alive,” I said. “You’re dead!” Danielson reportedly recalled her reaction to her brother’s phone call.

According to Miami HeraldDavid Wells’ body was recovered from the funeral home and properly identified. At that point, Danielson and her family realized the mistake they had made.

“We made decisions that end the life of someone we don’t even know,” Danielson’s husband told reporters.

More details about the family’s lawsuit against PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for turning off life support on the wrong patient

per New York PostThe Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office contacted Wells’ family to inform them of the tragic mix-up. However, David Wells’ son Sean reportedly did not learn that “strangers had sealed his father’s fate” until two years later.

Sean Wells reportedly told the press: “I’m just confused about how badly they’re handling this.” “…It’s annoying. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it. They just dropped the ball.”

Now, Sean Wells, Michael Buehler, and Debbie Danielson are reportedly filing a lawsuit against PeaceHealth Southwestern Medical Center. Furthermore, the lawsuit reportedly accuses the facility of negligence and extreme emotional distress.

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center issues a statement in response to the lawsuit

According to Miami HeraldPeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center issued a statement in response to the lawsuit on January 10.

“PeaceHealth has worked diligently to enhance our patient identification processes, which has included ongoing collaboration with many community agencies involved in health care, including EMS. Given PeaceHealth’s involvement in the lawsuits, it is unfortunate that we are unable to share more information.” The facts about this situation confirmed that our unwavering commitment to caring for our community remains stronger than ever.

Furthermore, according to the outlet, Wells, Beehler and Danielson are seeking an undisclosed sum from the medical center.

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