Multiple families are suing PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, a hospital in Vancouver, Washington, after the wrong patient, David Wells, was reportedly taken off life support.
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Here’s What Allegedly Happened To David Wells
According to the New York Post, Wells was rushed to the medical center on August 8, 2021, after choking on a piece of steak. Wells was reportedly unconscious, not breathing and had subsequently been placed on life support.
“Somewhere along the line, Mr. Wells was incorrectly identified as his roommate, plaintiff Michael Beehler,” the lawsuit states, per the Miami Herald.
Per the outlet, hospital officials reportedly “believed Wells was Beehler” and called Beehler’s sister, Debbie Danielson, for 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 reportedly 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, per the New York Post.
“I said, ‘You can’t be alive. You’re dead!'” Danielson reportedly recalled of her reaction to her brother’s phone call.
According to the Miami Herald, David Wells’ body was retrieved from a funeral home and correctly identified. At that point, Danielson and her family realized what they’d mistakenly done.
“We made life-ending decisions for a person we don’t even know,” Danielson’s husband reportedly told reporters.
More Details On The Family Suing PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center For Reportedly Taking The Wrong Patient Off Life Support
Per the New York Post, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office called Wells’ family to inform them of the tragic mix-up. However, David Wells’ son, Shawn, reportedly did not learn that “strangers had determined the fate of his father” until two years later.
“I’m at a loss for words how badly they handled this,” Shawn Wells reportedly told the press. “…It’s disturbing. I don’t know if I’m going to get over it. They dropped the ball so egregiously.”
Now, Shawn Wells, Michael Beehler, and Debbie Danielson are reportedly suing PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Furthermore, the suit reportedly accuses the facility of negligence and severe emotional distress.
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Issues A Statement In Response To Lawsuit
According to the Miami Herald, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center issued a statement in response to the lawsuit on January 10.
“PeaceHealth has worked diligently to strengthen our patient identification processes, which has included continued collaboration with multiple community agencies involved in healthcare, including EMS. Given that PeaceHealth is involved in litigation, it is unfortunate we are unable to share more facts about this situation. Our unwavering commitment of caring for our community remains stronger than ever,” the statement reportedly asserted.
Furthermore, per the outlet, Wells, Beehler, and Danielson are seeking an undisclosed amount from the medical center.
