Family Alleges Hospital’s Negligence Led to Cheerleader’s Sudden Death

The family of 15-year-old Yunique Morris is alleging that a Stockton hospital’s negligence caused their daughter’s sudden death from blood clots. According to a KTLA news report, Yunique was a healthy, active student and cheerleader at Weston Ranch High School. Two years ago, the teen complained of ongoing chest pain and was seen by her doctor at San Joaquin General Hospital.

Teen’s Tragic Death

Family members said the doctor diagnosed Yunique with chest wall pain and gave her pain medication, antibiotics and advice to rest in bed. However, her health began to go downhill where it got to the point that the girl could not even go up and down a flight of stairs without getting out of breath.

A few days later she went back to the doctor, but he apparently insisted that it was simply an inflammation and a “minor health condition.” Yunique’s mother asked for an X-ray and days passed, but the girl’s health did not improve. One day, Yunique sent her mother an urgent text saying she passed out and was throwing up.

Unanswered Questions

She was rushed to the emergency room where doctors found numerous blood clots in her chest. She died within hours. Family members, who are devastated by Yunique’s death, say they are seeking answers. Autopsy results are still pending. Yunique’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the funeral.

Based on this news report, the autopsy report may not be available for days. There are still a number of unanswered questions. Why was Yunique’s medical condition misdiagnosed? Did that prevent her from getting the right treatment at the right time? We trust the family will ask these and many more questions and receive the answers and explanations they seek.

Liability Issues

In this case, the hospital and the doctors involved could be faced with a medical malpractice lawsuit because they may have misdiagnosed Yunique’s condition and not given her the appropriate treatment. In such cases, plaintiffs must prove that the medical professionals were negligent and did not provide the patient with quality care and that such negligence caused the patient’s suffering and/or death. Doctors and medical professionals have the responsibility to provide their patients with competent diagnosis, treatment and care.

In cases where medical negligence leads to death, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families with regard to their legal rights and options.