Thompson v. Burner

Case Background

Jacob Thompson, through his parents, filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Kevin Burners, a radiologist, alleging negligence after a misdiagnosis that led to an appendix rupture and an extended hospital stay. The case was filed in the Tennessee Circuit Court, Eighth Judicial District. Judge Lynne T. Ingram presided over this case. [Case number: 21-1194]

Cause

Jacob Thompson, aged 14, arrived at the ER of Tristar StoneCrest Medical Center at 5:00 a.m. on April 17, 2020. He reported pain in his lower right quadrant and mentioned eating "Hot Cheetos" the previous night. The attending ER doctor suspected appendicitis and ordered an ultrasound. Although the ultrasound did not visualize the appendix, the risk of appendicitis remained high, so Thompson was discharged. Later that morning, at 10:48 a.m., Thompson returned to the Children's Hospital at Tristar Centennial with increased pain. His white blood cell count reached 16,000, and his blood pressure measured 156/101. The medical team ordered a CT scan. Conducted at 11:25 a.m., the CT scan was interpreted by Dr. Kevin Burner of Radiology Alliance at 12:08 p.m. He reported "no acute findings." The ER team relied on this diagnosis and advised Thompson to follow up with his pediatrician in a few days. Three days later, Thompson visited a clinic where a blood test was performed. Early the next morning, his mother received a call informing her that the results suggested appendicitis. Following the clinic's i