Sylvia Bradley,  Administrator of the Estate of Stephen Bradley vs. Mohammed Mujeebuddin, M.D., et al

Case Background

On March 31, 2022, Plaintiff Sylvia Bradley,  Administrator of the Estate of Stephen Bradley filed a Medical malpractice lawsuit in the Virginia State, Richmond Circuit Court (Case number: CL22001422-00 ). This case was presided over by Judge Bradley Cavedo.

Cause

The patient sought care from his family physician on the day of his death, reporting severe symptoms requiring urgent attention. He experienced shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, dizziness, and dry mouth. A medical examination revealed concerning vital signs, including mild tachycardia and fluctuating blood pressure readings ranging from 92/50 to 130/80. His oxygen saturation level was 94%, suggesting potential respiratory distress. The patient’s recent medical history included thoracic decompression surgery performed three and a half months earlier, which severely restricted his mobility. Limited mobility increased his risk of developing a blood clot, particularly in the deep veins of his legs. He relied heavily on assistive devices, such as a wheelchair and walker, for basic movement.

The physician conducted a physical examination and reached preliminary diagnoses. He attributed the shortness of breath to deconditioning, chest pain to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and dizziness to orthostatic hypotension. Despite recognizing the patient’s high-risk status for a blood clot, the physician ordered laboratory tests, including a D-Dimer test, but categorized them as non-urgent. He scheduled the D-Dimer test results for the following day instead of requesting immediate analysis.

Injuries

The patient collapsed catastrophically at home six hours after leaving the clinic. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but he died on the scene. The next day, the laboratory reported D-Dimer levels 30 times higher than the normal range, strongly indicating the presence of a blood clot, likely a pulmonary embolism, at the time of his examination. Without an autopsy, the exact cause of death remained unconfirmed, but medical evidence pointed strongly to a fatal pulmonary embolism caused by a dislodged blood clot.

Damages

The wrongful death caused significant damages, affecting both the deceased and his surviving family. The patient endured severe pain and suffering during his final hours, including respiratory distress and cardiac complications.

The family incurred substantial financial losses, including emergency service charges, medical expenses, and funeral costs. They experienced profound emotional trauma, losing the deceased’s companionship, support, and guidance. The loss of future income and benefits caused further financial hardship.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Sylvia Bradley, Administrator of the Estate of Stephen Bradley
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Derrick L. Walker | Kari J. La Fratta
  • Defendant(s):Mohammed Mujeebuddin, M.D. | Twin Rivers Medical Clinic PC
    • Counsel for Defendants: Pro se

Claims

The Plaintiff alleged multiple instances of negligence by the physician. Key claims included:

  • Failing to recognize critical warning signs of a pulmonary embolism or underlying blood clot in a high-risk post-surgical patient.
  • Breaching the standard of care by not ordering immediate D-Dimer testing to detect the presence of a blood clot.
  • Overlooking deep vein thrombosis risk factors in post-surgical patients with limited mobility.
  • Neglecting to provide an adequate emergency response to symptoms consistent with pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot.

These failures constituted a severe breach of medical standards in diagnosis and treatment.

Defense

The Defendant argued that he provided appropriate care consistent with the standard of practice for family physicians. He conducted a thorough examination, documented multiple vital sign readings, and monitored the patient’s condition.

The physician reasonably attributed the symptoms to deconditioning, GERD, and orthostatic hypotension, based on clinical findings. Despite a lack of classical symptoms of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism—such as calf pain, leg swelling, or significant oxygen desaturation—the physician prudently ordered a D-Dimer test.

The defense emphasized that elevated D-Dimer levels alone could not confirm a pulmonary embolism or blood clot, as various factors, including surgery and inflammation, might cause such results. Without an autopsy, the cause of death remained speculative.

Jury Verdict

On October 19, 2024, the jury awarded $5,500,000 in damages, finding the Defendant breached the medical standard of care. The failure to diagnose and treat a fatal pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot directly contributed to the patient’s death.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request