CT interpretation at issue in Maine malpractice suit
The complaint says Jeffrey Robinson was discharged after a 2023 emergency CT, then later diagnosed with a spinal epidural abscess and gastro-esophageal cancer; defendants have denied the allegations.
A Maine malpractice lawsuit alleges that findings on a March 2023 emergency CT scan were not acted on before Jeffrey Robinson was discharged from Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. The lawsuit was filed by Robinson and his wife, Winona, in Androscoggin County Superior Court.
The complaint names Central Maine Medical Center, 2 physicians, and X-Ray Professional Association, a Lewiston radiology group listed by Central Maine Healthcare. The hospital system’s website lists X-Ray Professional Association at CMMC and identifies multiple radiology-medical imaging providers with the practice.
Robinson went to the emergency department on March 25, 2023, with abdominal pain, back pain, decreased urination, and other symptoms, according to the local report. The lawsuit alleges that his symptoms and imaging showed signs of a spinal epidural abscess.
Plaintiffs also allege that the CT scan showed an incidental mass between the esophagus and stomach that was suspicious for gastro-esophageal cancer. Robinson was discharged the next morning without either diagnosis, according to the lawsuit cited by the Sun Journal.
A separate hospital diagnosed Robinson the next day with a spinal epidural abscess, according to the report. The lawsuit alleges the delayed diagnosis caused permanent spinal injury, lower extremity weakness, motor dysfunction, pain, numbness, and sexual dysfunction.
Robinson was later diagnosed with gastro-esophageal cancer in May 2024. The plaintiffs allege that the delay allowed the cancer to progress to stage 3 and reduced his life expectancy, citing an outside medical expert retained by the couple.
Central Maine Healthcare denied the allegation that Robinson was negligently discharged, according to the Sun Journal. An attorney for the defendants also denied most allegations and argued that the alleged injuries and damages were caused by a medical condition or emergency that could not be prevented by the defendants.
Maine law requires professional negligence claims to go through mandatory prelitigation screening and mediation panels. State law says those panels are intended to identify claims that merit compensation and encourage early resolution, while also identifying nonmeritorious claims for withdrawal or dismissal.
Both sides are now in discovery, the phase in which parties can take testimony from witnesses, parties, and medical experts.
Sources
- Title 24, §2851: Purpose and definitions. Government document
- Title 24, §2852: Formation and procedure. Government document
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