A Manhattan hospital and one of its doctors are being sued by the family a patient who died in their care.

The family of Felita Dowdy, a 33-year-old woman from the Bronx, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against St. Luke’s Hospital and Dr. Bruce Lish. Dowdy’s family is claiming both the doctor and hospital are responsible for her death.

The lawsuit stems from a hospital visit that left Dowdy brain damaged. As reported in an article on UPI.com, Dowdy had cerebral palsy, a condition that caused her teeth to rot. She came to the hospital on July 23, 2009 to have her teeth extracted. At some point after her teeth had already been extracted, Dowdy went into respiratory arrest, causing her to suffer brain damage. She sadly passed away in October. An autopsy concluded that her cause of death was complications from the surgery she received at the hospital.

The family’s attorney, Stuart Kitchner, also claims the drug fentanyl contributed to her death.

The family is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.

The hospital said it extended its deepest condolences to Dowdy’s family, but that it could not comment on the lawsuit because it is still pending. Lish could not be reached for comment but his father, Dr. Jerome Lish who is also a dentist, said his son has experience treating disabled patients and is not at fault.

Whether you have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice, a car accident, a dangerous drug, or another type of accident or injury, if you think another person is at fault you should take a moment to consult a Pasadena personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus. The law entitles you to benefits if you can prove another person’s negligence or reckless actions contributed to your loved one’s death. For more information about filing a wrongful death lawsuit, please contact the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus today to arrange a FREE consultation!