This case involved a claim of medical malpractice and wrongful death filed on behalf of Sylvia Fagerstrom, who developed a pressure ulcer while under the care of Mobile Infirmary Medical Center and Thomas Hospital. Both institutions were alleged to have failed to implement sufficient care routines to prevent the worsening of the ulcer, which the plaintiff claimed to lead to sepsis and Fagerstrom's subsequent death.
Despite a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff, the Supreme Court of Alabama reversed this decision on appeal, arguing insufficient evidence to conclusively prove sepsis as the direct cause of death. The court argued the plaintiff had not submitted substantial evidence demonstrating proof of causation, and that Sylvia's cause of death was possibly, rather than probably, caused by sepsis from the infected ulcer.
Appointment of Personal Representative Does Relate Back to the Filing of the Original Complaint
Trial Court Exceeded Discretion in Ordering Changes to Registered Death Certificate
Defense Ruling Upheld due to a Lack of Substantial Evidence that the Administration of Demerol led Directly to Plaintiff's Death
Amended Complaint Three Years after Death was Time Barred Due to Statute of Limitations
Trial Court Exceeded Discretion in Ordering Changes to Registered Death Certificate