A recent court filing reveals a significant medical negligence lawsuit that could have profound implications for the involved healthcare providers. On August 6, 2024, Angali Kartsaklis and his wife Carmela Kartsaklis filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Dr. Vincent Rowley, BayCare Outpatient Imaging, LLC, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Inc., and BayCare Health Systems, Inc.
The plaintiffs allege that on June 14, 2021, Angali Kartsaklis underwent a Chest CT scan at St. Anthony’s Hospital. The scan was interpreted by Dr. Vincent Rowley who failed to identify a suspicious lung nodule in the right upper lobe. According to the complaint, Dr. Rowley incorrectly reported that no suspicious lung nodules were present. This oversight allegedly led to a delay in diagnosing what was later identified as Stage 1A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By September 14, 2022, another Chest CT scan revealed that the cancer had progressed to Stage 3A NSCLC.
The complaint outlines multiple instances of alleged negligence by Dr. Rowley and the associated healthcare entities. It claims that Dr. Rowley "negligently failed to identify a new, irregular mass measuring 7.6 mm x 9.3 mm" and did not make appropriate follow-up recommendations such as a repeat CT scan or biopsy. The plaintiffs argue that this delay caused Angali Kartsaklis to miss an opportunity for surgical intervention when his cancer was still at an early stage.
As per the lawsuit, within a reasonable degree of medical probability, this delay significantly reduced Angali Kartsaklis' chances of survival from greater than 50% to less than 49%. Furthermore, it is alleged that he will ultimately die from his belatedly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer due to this negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs for pain and suffering; disability; disfigurement; loss of capacity for enjoyment of life; past and future medical expenses; expenses for support services; and lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
The lawsuit also includes claims against BayCare Outpatient Imaging LLC and St. Anthony’s Hospital Inc., arguing they are vicariously liable for Dr. Rowley's actions since he was their employee or agent at the time of the incident. Additionally, BayCare Health Systems Inc., which owns St. Anthony's Hospital Inc., is also named as a defendant under similar vicarious liability principles.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys from various law firms specializing in medical malpractice cases while defense counsel has yet to be disclosed publicly.
This case will be presided over by judges from the Circuit Court of Pinellas County under Case Number: 24-003479-CI.