Was It Medical Malpractice? The Bill Paxton Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Bill Paxton was a beloved actor known for his roles in the movies “Titanic” and “Apollo 13” and the HBO series “Big Love.” He died in February 2017 at age 61 after a stroke caused by complications following heart surgery. Paxton’s widow and children have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, as well as the surgeon who performed the operation. They believe Paxton’s death was preventable, and all signs point to medical malpractice.
The Bill Paxton Negligence and Wrongful Death Lawsuit
It was Valentine’s Day of 2017 when Paxton went to see Dr. Ali Khoynezhad for cardiac problems. The surgeon’s recommendation: Heart surgery for aortic aneurysm repair. The procedure involved the replacement of a heart valve and repair of aorta damage, and the surgery took place the same day, with bleak results. Post-surgical complications followed – including excessive bleeding, cardiogenic shock, and a compromised coronary artery – leading to a stroke after heart surgery, which Paxton’s death certificate lists as his official cause of death.
The lawsuit alleges that there was negligence in the diagnosis, management and treatment of Paxton. The wrongful death suit highlights the doctor’s “high-risk and unconventional surgical approach,” alleging that he was not qualified to perform this “maverick” procedure.
Television shows and movies glamorize the world of medicine. Fictitious surgeons are applauded for trying a never-before-done surgery, or throwing a surgical Hail Mary in a time of crisis. But TV is not real life. Khoynezhad was allegedly unqualified to perform the procedure on Paxton. Things could have worked out in his favor but, in this situation, Khoynezhad’s hero move turned into tragedy. And surgery is not the time to take a risk.
Was Paxton’s Death Preventable?
Khoynezhad has left Cedars-Sinai and now works at another hospital. The change in his circumstances does not change the reality that the Paxtons are now suffering through. Their wrongful death suit alleges several items:
- The surgery was unnecessary.
- The doctor was unqualified to perform the procedure and showed “suboptimal judgment.”
- The doctor’s absence after surgery and failure to return to Paxton when alerted led to delayed care.
- Nondisclosure of a high-risk surgical procedure.
- Misrepresentation or concealment of information relating to surgical risks.
The Paxton family believes these factors and more contributed to Paxton’s post-surgical complications and, ultimately, his death. They are asking for a jury trial and seeking unspecified damages.
Determine If You Have a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death encompasses injuries suffered at the hands of another in any situation, such as a car accident or brain injury, and especially in the case of surgical error. If someone you love has died because of what you consider a preventable death at the hands of unqualified or negligent medical professionals, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit or medical malpractice suit.
Get answers to your questions. Contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation. You will have the best chance of receiving full monetary compensation for your suffering with the help of our experienced attorneys. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
