Grossman Yaffa Cohen Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Alleging Delayed Sepsis Diagnosis at Wellington Regional Medical Center

Grossman Yaffa Cohen has filed a wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit on behalf of the Estate of John Thomas Bennett, alleging that failures to timely diagnose and treat sepsis resulted in Mr. Bennett’s death.

The lawsuit, filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, names Wellington Regional Medical Center, LLC, James William Rodriguez, D.O., Scott Francis Erickson, APRN, and EM Alliance, LLC as defendants.

According to the complaint, Mr. Bennett, 72, presented to Wellington Regional Medical Center’s emergency department on January 16, 2024, with symptoms affecting his hands and feet. The lawsuit alleges that despite signs of a potentially serious underlying infection, no laboratory testing was performed, and Mr. Bennett was discharged home with a topical steroid and instructions to follow up with his physicians.

Seven days later, Mr. Bennett returned to the hospital by ambulance in critical condition. The complaint alleges he was suffering from severe sepsis secondary to cellulitis, along with hypotension, metabolic acidosis, elevated lactic acid levels, acute kidney injury, and respiratory failure. Despite aggressive medical intervention, Mr. Bennett died several days later.

The lawsuit alleges that healthcare providers failed to recognize and appropriately evaluate warning signs of sepsis during Mr. Bennett’s initial emergency department visit, resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The complaint seeks damages under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act.

The case is being handled by Eric T. Halsey, Partner, and Gary M. Cohen, Founder, of Grossman Yaffa Cohen’s Boca Raton office.

“Sepsis is a medical emergency where every hour matters,” said Eric T. Halsey. “Early recognition and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes. When those opportunities are missed, the consequences can be devastating for patients and their families.”

Gary M. Cohen added, “This case is about accountability. We intend to pursue justice on behalf of the Bennett family while seeking to reinforce the importance of adhering to established standards of medical care.”

The lawsuit is pending, and the allegations remain unproven unless and until established in court.

Sources: Public court filings in Estate of John Thomas Bennett v. Wellington Regional Medical Center, LLC, et al., Palm Beach County Circuit Court, and reporting by Boca Post.