Ramsey County, Minnesota
Court File No. 62-CV-11-1552
Claims asserted: the decedent suffered a stroke which resulted in him being placed in a long-term rehabilitation facility. As a result of the stroke, the patient had a tracheostomy. In order to wean the patient off of the tracheostomy the patient was de-cannulated. It was asserted that the de-cannulation recommended and subsequently performed by the physician was a violation of the standard of care and resulted in respiratory arrest. Plaintiff asserted that the physician, in de-cannulating the patient, caused asphyxia and death. Outcome: defense verdict, November 2012.