Emmanuel Orgu, Individually, on Behalf of All Children of Maria Orgu, and as Administrator of the Estate of Maria Orgu v. Obstetrix Medical Group of Atlanta, LLC, et al

Case Background

On March 19 8, 2015, Plaintiff Emmanuel Orgu filed a medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit in the State court of Georgia, DeKalb County (Case number: 15A55784E3). Judge Wayne M. Purdom presided over this case.

Cause

In early 2013, Maria Orgu, the decedent in this wrongful death case, sought care from obstetrician Dr. Shiraz Kassam after discovering she was pregnant with her third child. Orgu experienced vaginal bleeding and underwent ultrasounds interpreted by other doctors. She continued follow-up visits with Dr. Kassam in February and April of 2013. In May, Orgu encountered additional bleeding and was hospitalized for further treatment. Despite several days in the hospital, her condition worsened, and she experienced a severe drop in blood pressure. Dr. Kassam performed an emergency cesarean section, during which he discovered that Orgu had an ectopic pregnancy—a diagnosis that had been missed earlier in her care.

Despite the emergency surgery, Orgu suffered significant blood loss. The hemorrhaging continued, leading to kidney failure, sepsis, and shock. Orgu was placed on a ventilator, but she ultimately passed away from a heart attack on May 29, 2013.

Injuries

Maria Orgu’s injury resulted from the failure to recognize and treat her ectopic pregnancy in a timely manner. This delay in diagnosis contributed to complications, including severe blood loss, kidney failure, sepsis, and ultimately her death. Dr. Kassam’s alleged negligence in managing her pregnancy and the subsequent surgeries worsened her condition. After performing the emergency cesarean section, Dr. Kassam failed to complete a full hysterectomy, leaving the cervix intact. This failure allegedly caused ongoing bleeding and aggravated Orgu’s condition. Despite an additional procedure to stop the bleeding, Orgu’s health deteriorated further, leading to kidney failure, shock, and death.

Damages

The damages in this wrongful death lawsuit involved the tragic loss of Maria Orgu’s life. Her surviving husband, Emmanuel Orgu, suffered both emotional and financial hardship as a result of her untimely death. The failure of Dr. Kassam to properly diagnose and treat Maria Orgu’s ectopic pregnancy caused immense harm. The wrongful death caused not only physical pain and suffering for Orgu but also the loss of companionship, emotional support, and financial security for her family. The emotional toll and economic hardship on Emmanuel Orgu were profound.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Emmanuel Orgu, Individually, on Behalf of All Children of Maria Orgu, and as Administrator of the Estate of Maria Orgu
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Darren Penn | William Ballard | Hannah Sbaity
  • Defendant(s): Obstetrix Medical Group of Atlanta, LLC | Pediatrix Medical Group Inc. | Pediatrix Medical Group of Georgia P.C. | Mednax Inc. | Richard D. Molina, M.D. | Rockdale Medical Center Auxiliary, Inc. | Shiraz Kassam, M.D. | Fyama P. Wenner, M.D. | Gwinnett Hospital System, Inc. | North Metropolitan Radiology Associates, LLP | Sanjay R. Patel, M.D
    • Counsel for Defendants: Heather Horan Mille | Wayne McGrew

Claims

Emmanuel Orgu filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Kassam and other individuals and entities involved in Maria Orgu’s care. He alleged negligence in the failure to diagnose and treat the ectopic pregnancy and improper management during the emergency cesarean section and subsequent hysterectomy. The plaintiff argued that Dr. Kassam’s delayed actions and lack of adequate surgical intervention led to Maria Orgu’s continued bleeding, which eventually caused kidney failure, sepsis, shock, and death. The plaintiff also contended that Dr. Kassam’s failure to transfer Orgu to another doctor for timely medical care further contributed to her death.

Defense

In defense, Dr. Kassam argued that he followed appropriate medical procedures and adhered to the standard of care. He claimed that the initial failure to recognize the ectopic pregnancy was due to the complexity of the case, not negligence. Dr. Kassam asserted that he responded promptly to Orgu’s deteriorating condition, performing the emergency cesarean section as soon as it became apparent that her situation was critical. He defended the necessity of the hysterectomy, asserting it was appropriate for the circumstances, and disputed the claim that only the uterus was removed. The defense also contended that the complications, including blood loss and organ failure, were the result of Orgu’s condition and the risks inherent in the procedures, not any failure in her treatment

Jury Verdict

The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, the Estate of Maria Orgu. This amount included $9,125,000 for the conscious pain and suffering Maria Orgu endured before her death, as well as $7,500,000 for the full value of her life. The jury also awarded $682,215.94 for past medical expenses incurred during her treatment and $1,600.50 for funeral and burial costs. In total, the plaintiff received $17,308,816.44 as compensation in this wrongful death medical malpractice case.

Court Documents:

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