KATHY G FERRELL
BS, RN, LNCC

Kathy G. Ferrell, BS RN LNCC-Board Certified
“Experience & Expertise”

Ways in which Kathy provides value to the attorney client:

Avoid nonmeritorious claims

She performed initial intake and case screening services for a Tennessee attorney firm. Her skills in obtaining relevant information and quick assessment of the facts allowed her clients to avoid spending time and money on nonmeritorious claims.

Prepare chronologies of the pertinent facts and analyze their importance

A recent case involved the review of medical records and preparation of a chronology in the case of a 79-year-old female with a past history of stroke, dementia and atrial fibrillation. The patient was admitted to the hospital for implantation of a pacemaker. Following surgery, she was stabilized and transferred to a rehabilitation center for strengthening. Three days after admission for rehab she was found unresponsive by her nurse. She was transported to the emergency department where two separate drug screens tested positive for opiates. The patient had not been prescribed opiates at the hospital or rehabilitation facility. She was diagnosed with severe encephalopathy caused by respiratory suppression. Efforts to reverse the effects of opiates by the administration of Narcan X 2 were unsuccessful. Her overall condition stabilized but her cognitive abilities remained impaired due her brain injury. She died within a few months of her injury.

Her chronology and analysis revealed the facts that were missing (i.e. opiates had not been ordered and nurses failed to document administration of any opiates). She discussed how these facts deviated from the standards of safe care and led to the patient’s injury. In addition, my analysis demonstrated how the new injury differed from damage suffered from her previous stroke. The attorneys used my chronology as a road map for presentation of the facts to the jury.

The jury found in favor of the plaintiff and the family was awarded 20 million dollars in damages.

Analyze medical records for deviations in the standard of care

Another recent case involved a kidney transplant on a 15-year-old male in a Nashville hospital. The transplant surgery was successful. The Operative Report by the transplant surgeon documented that deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis with subcutaneous heparin had been administered at the conclusion of surgery. However, on the second post-operative day the patient suffered a pulmonary embolism, resulting in a devastating anoxic brain injury.

My review of the medical record established that no heparin had been administered at the conclusion of surgery as erroneously reported in the Operative Report. In addition, no heparin had been ordered postoperatively for deep vein prophylaxis. Deviation in the standard of care for prevention of deep vein thrombosis in this young man resulted in catastrophic anoxic brain injury and subsequent death.

The case was meditated successfully in favor of the plaintiff. The award was undisclosed.

Locate expert witnesses

I have located over 100 medical, nursing, dental, and other professional experts for attorneys throughout the nation. One Birmingham attorney stated “For a number of years, Kathy Ferrell has been by “go to” person when I have needed help finding a qualified and competent medical expert. She works promptly and always follows up to make sure I am pleased with the expertise of the individual she has referred to me.”

- Mike Ermert, Attorney at Law, Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton, LLP. Birmingham. AL.