Failure to Immediately Refer Patient to Vascular Surgeon, $5.6M in Damages

​A physician practicing in Virginia was held liable for $5.6 million in damages because he allegedly failed to meet the standard of care that would have required him to refer a patient to a vascular surgeon on the same day that the patient first presented with vascular symptoms, according to a February 28, 2014, article in theNews and Advance (Lynchburg, Virginia). The patient was 45 years old when he received treatment from a local emergency department for pain and discoloration in his leg. Two days later, he visited the defendant's office and underwent vascular studies that showed severe interruption of blood flow to his leg. The patient returned to the office after two days in severe pain.