A young man loses his life to Lyme carditis and a tragic misdiagnosis.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital and one of their doctors have been ordered to pay $6.5 million to the family of Peter Smith, who passed away from Lyme disease.
Smith was twenty-five years old when he visited Dr. John Henson in 2017, presenting with fever, chills, dizziness, a bulls-eye rash, and a headache. Despite these symptoms, the doctor claimed there were no sign of Lyme disease. Smith later revisited the doctor only to be told he had a skin infection.
Smith then went to a different hospital, Maine Medical Center, and it was there that he was properly diagnosed with not only Lyme disease, but also Lyme carditis. Smith was treated and released but died July 2, 2017.
To read more coverage from this story, click here.
***
A note from GLA:
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases have claimed innumerable victims, but as we continue to share these stories, we can ensure that the legacies of those that have passed are not in vain. Our hope is that this story is a call to action and underlines why GLA’s work is so necessary. It is our great task to continue this fight by conquering Lyme disease, once and for all. In consideration of this tragic story, we would direct you or anyone you know experiencing symptoms to find an LLMD as early as possible. Visit the GLA referral program for assistance.
If you are in need of support, visit our patient support resources page.
If you’d like to share your story, email us at marketing@gla.org
The above material is provided for information purposes only. The material (a) is not nor should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor (b) does it necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of Global Lyme Alliance, Inc. or any of its directors, officers, advisors or volunteers. Advice on the testing, treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.
