POLK County Lawsuit

When Emergency Care Falls Short: A Critical Test That Was Never Ordered

Patients go to the emergency room expecting doctors to take their symptoms seriously and follow the right steps to find answers. But in one troubling Florida case, an emergency department failed to order a basic head CT scan for a woman showing signs of a possible brain issue.

Instead of receiving the standard care her condition required, she was sent home—with her symptoms unexplained and unresolved.

A Serious Oversight:
What the Expert Found

According to a board-certified emergency medicine expert, two separate ER doctors missed an essential part of care. The patient had neurological complaints, including lightheadedness and nausea—classic red flags that should have triggered immediate brain imaging.

The first physician ordered a CT angiogram of the neck, which checks for arterial blockages. That test was appropriate for one concern, but not enough. The expert says that standard emergency protocol called for a plain head CT to check for more common and potentially life-threatening brain issues.

But that scan was never performed.

When the first doctor’s shift ended, the patient was transferred to a second physician. That provider reviewed labs and prior scans, found no alarming results, and discharged her—without ever noticing that a brain scan had been skipped.

Why a Missed Head CT Is
Medical Malpractice

Why a Missed Head CT Is Medical Malpractice

The medical expert called this failure a “clear deviation from the standard of care.” Both physicians had an independent responsibility to:

Recognize the warning signs of a neurological issue

Ensure all necessary imaging was performed

Communicate clearly during the shift change

By discharging the patient prematurely, the doctors missed a crucial opportunity to diagnose and treat what could have been a serious medical condition.

The Hidden Danger of
Shift Changes in Hospitals

The Hidden Danger of Shift Changes in Hospitals

Cases like this highlight a common problem in emergency rooms: poor communication during physician handoffs. When care isn’t carefully coordinated between doctors, critical steps can fall through the cracks—and patients pay the price.

Whether due to oversight, rushing, or a breakdown in communication, these failures can amount to medical negligence under Florida law.

How Can We Help?

"*" indicates required fields

Proven.
Trusted.

medical malpractice
wrongful death
serious personal injury

407-622-2111

24 Hours / 7 Days a Week

Free Case Evaluation

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I highly recommend Paul Trial Group for your legal matters. Working with their team was really an exceptional experience even as I was going thru much duress. Working with David Paul office you will get honesty, integrity and the truth.

– Laura A.

Mr. Murphy provided excellent service. With his assistance, I finally got the closure I needed for an otherwise emotionally stressful event. I highly recommend this firm and Mr. Murphy.

– D. (Former client)Company Name

David Paul and Olivia Kronenberg not only represented our family, they did also so with a very personal approach. They were extremely thorough and methodical in their investigation and how they presented our case. It was not a quick process, but they made it easy and painless. They kept us advised on every update. Our settlement was just, and we were rewarded with closure on my wife’s death.

– Skip Banfell

My attorney, Olivia, eased any worries and made an extremely emotional and stressful situation go as smoothly as possible. Everyone I worked with treated me like a friend, not just a client.

– Stan StevensCompany Name

This firm valued me as a person not just a client, they respected my wishes, concerns, questions and answers.

– Fredericka EppsCompany Name

A very professional and great team that was amazing in helping me and my family through some really hard times. I never really trusted lawyers until I worked with Dave and Olivia and now I feel like we are more like family.

– MichelleCompany Name

I absolutely love Olivia! She was transparent, honest, helpful, and treated my case the same way she would treat it if it were her family.

– Savanna WhiddenCompany Name

Philip Moring and his staff were highly professional, accommodating and a pleasure to work with. They always showed knowledge and thoroughness, while also being efficient and getting straight to the point. They made the entire experience pleasant, and I would highly recommend them if you or a loved one needs a competent and personable lawyer.

– Mary D.Company Name

I have had a professional relationship with David Paul for over a decade. Recently, I have worked mostly with Scott Murphy. I have found the attorneys to be experienced, thorough, intelligent, insightful, diligent, personable, and committed. I recommend this firm and its attorneys very highly, and without reservation.

– Sidney A.Company Name

David Paul represented me in a personal injury case. I feel so fortunate and blessed that I had them in my corner. They were overwhelmingly prepared in every stage of my case. They take a limited number of cases so that they can dedicate their time to you legally, as well as personally. My family & I can’t say enough positive things about him!

– John D.Company Name

How can we help?

Tell Us a Little More About Your Case.

"*" indicates required fields

At Paul Trial Group, we welcome the opportunity to talk to you about potential claims or legal issues. If you are a referring lawyer who has a case you need assistance evaluating or handling, feel free to give us a call.