One of the largest malpractice awards in Canadian history involves a Hanover woman.
Danielle Boyd sued Doctor Bruce Edington after she suffered a stroke in December 2008 and is nearly completely paralyzed from the neck down.
Late last month, an Ontario Superior Court of Justice awarded Boyd 15 million dollars in damages.
Justice John Sproat heard the arguments over several weeks in March, September and October of 2013.
Boyd was a 24 year old single mother who lived with her parents before she suffered the stroke.
Court heard on December 27th, 2008, Boyd went to the Hanover hospital and was seen by Doctor Edington.
Her symptoms included leftside numbness, unsteadiness on her feet, garbled speech at times, and headaches.
Doctor Edington considered possible diagnoses of hypertensive crisis, migraine equivalent or alcohol use.
He kept her in hospital and gave her medication to lower her blood pressure.
About 90 minutes later, a nurse informed Edington that Boyd could not move her left arm, but did withdraw it in response to a pain stimulus.
By 7 AM the next day, Boyd had several other symptoms including a spinning sensation and having difficulty opening her eyes.
Doctor Edington revised his diagnosis to include a possible brain tumour and called London Health sciences centre to speak with a neurologist.
Danielle Boyd was transferred to LHSC and shortly afterwards was given Heparin, a clot inhibiting drug.
The judge ruled if heparin had been administered earlier, Boyd would have developed fewer or smaller blood clots and the stroke would not have occurred.
He also ruled the decision by Doctor Edington to lower the woman’s blood pressure also further reduced the blood flow and created conditions conducive to clot formation and growth.
Danielle Boyd’s lawyer says the family is not commenting on the lawsuit.
Doctor Edington is still working at the Hanover hospital.