Sushma Sharma vs. The Stamford Hospital, et al

Case Background

On March 18, 2019, Plaintiff Suman Arora and Renu Malhotra as co-executors of the estate of Sushma Sharma filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court, Bridgeport Judicial District (Case number: FBT-CV19-6084257-S). Judge William Clark presided over this case.

Cause

Sushma Sharma, the plaintiff, received medical care at The Stamford Hospital in Connecticut from January 28 to January 31, 2017. She underwent pacemaker implantation and related procedures under the hospital’s supervision. The hospital collaborated with ARIS Radiology Professionals of Michigan, P.C., a non-resident corporation, for radiological interpretations. During her treatment, the medical team improperly placed the pacemaker leads, misinterpreted imaging results, and failed to provide adequate monitoring. These instances of medical malpractice caused severe injuries, including misaligned pacemaker leads, mitral valve damage, and symptomatic cardiac complications.

Injuries

Medical negligence caused several severe injuries to Sushma Sharma. Improper placement of the pacemaker lead led to maceration of the mitral valve, a flail leaflet, and ruptured chordae tendineae. She experienced symptomatic bradycardia, atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmia, and severe mitral regurgitation. These injuries caused heart failure, pulmonary edema, and metabolic acidosis. She required extensive medical intervention, including open-heart surgery, mitral valve replacement, and invasive mechanical ventilation. The hospital’s actions exemplify hospital negligence and had devastating consequences for the plaintiff.

Damages

Sushma Sharma endured immense physical, emotional, and financial hardships. She permanently lost her independence and quality of life. Her injuries drastically reduced her earning capacity. She needed ongoing assistance with daily tasks and remained mostly homebound. The prolonged treatment, including surgery, intensive care, and rehabilitation, created a significant financial burden. Chronic pain and depression added to her suffering, requiring psychological therapy and new medications. These damages highlight the toll of medical malpractice and hospital negligence on her life.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Suman Arora and Renu Malhotra as co-executors of the estate of Sushma Sharma
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Joel H. Lichtenstein
  • Defendant(s):The Stamford Hospital | ARIS Radiology Professionals of Michigan, P.C.
    • Counsel for Defendants: Scott C. Jarvis | James F. Biondo, Esq. | Kierra Greenwood, Esq

Claims

The plaintiff claimed that The Stamford Hospital and ARIS Radiology Professionals of Michigan, P.C. breached their duty of care. She asserted that the hospital failed to provide competent physicians and follow proper protocols. She also alleged that ARIS Radiology misinterpreted critical diagnostic imaging, which directly caused her injuries. Sushma Sharma sought monetary damages exceeding $15,000 to address her pain, suffering, permanent disability, and financial losses. Her claims reflected the severe impact of medical malpractice and hospital negligence on her life.

Defense

The defense admitted that ARIS Radiology Professionals of Michigan, P.C. had interpreted radiological imaging for Sushma Sharma in January 2017. However, they denied allegations of negligence outlined in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the complaint. The Stamford Hospital acknowledged employing Dr. Sandhya Dhruvakumar and maintaining a service agreement with ARIS Radiology. Despite these admissions, the defendants denied most allegations and left certain claims for the plaintiff to prove. They rejected liability for the injuries and contested the assertions of medical malpractice throughout the case.

Jury Verdict

On January 17, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of The Stamford Hospital and ARIS Radiology Professionals of Michigan, P.C. They determined that the defendants met the required standard of care under the circumstances. The jury found no liability for the injuries Sushma Sharma claimed, rejecting the allegations of hospital negligence and medical malpractice presented by the plaintiff.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Jury Verdict