$1 Million Settlement in Failure to Diagnose, Treat Influenza Pneumonia

Jennifer Flynn, 47, consulted osteopath Dr. Bruce Richman when she experienced a worsening dry cough, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, fever, chills and shortness of breath over a four-day period.

Flynn was diagnosed with a cough and sent home. The next day, her husband found her unresponsive. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

Flynn’s husband individually and on behalf of her estate, sued Dr. Richman, alleging he chose not to timely diagnose and treat influenza pneumonia type A.

Influenza pneumonia is a severe complication of the flu where the influenza virus itself directly infects and inflames the lungs or where a secondary bacterial infection develops due to the weakened immune system of the patient. This condition can be life threatening. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the lungs that makes breathing difficult and can lead to symptoms like fever, cough and chest pain.

The Flynn family claimed that the defendant should have prescribed antiviral medication and sent Flynn to an emergency room.

Before trial, the parties settled for $1 million.

The attorney representing the Flynn estate and family was Stephen Bruccoleri.

Flynn v. Richman, No. 2021-00412 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Bucks County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling misdiagnosis lawsuits, physician negligence lawsuits, wrongful death cases, and medical malpractice lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 49 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Willowbrook, Glendale Heights, Aurora, Orland Park, Harvey, Lemont, Buffalo Grove, Waukegan, North Chicago, Barrington, Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Mokena, Homewood, Cicero, Chicago (Roseland, Calumet Heights, South Chicago, South Shore, Woodlawn, South Loop, North Lawndale, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Portage Park, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Bucktown, Lakeview, Wicker Park), Norridge, Park Ridge, Itasca, and Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.