A tragic case of alleged medical negligence and wrongful death has emerged from Palm Beach County, Florida. Julie A. Timpe, the widow and personal representative of the estate of John S. Timpe, filed a complaint on September 26, 2024, against Jupiter Medical Center, Dr. Christopher B. Zanko, and nurse practitioner Jacinth Salomi Henton-O’Connor in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit.
The complaint details a harrowing series of events beginning with John S. Timpe's admission to Jupiter Medical Center on September 1, 2021, for COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. Despite a CT scan showing no pulmonary embolism, he suffered an acute kidney injury due to contrast used during the scan. His treatment included Lovenox to address rising D-dimer levels. However, this medication regimen was problematic given his history with coronary artery disease and dual antiplatelet therapy since 2008.
Julie A. Timpe alleges that her husband was discharged prematurely on September 8, 2021, with an increased dose of Lovenox alongside Aspirin and Plavix—contrary to professional guidelines—which significantly heightened his risk for bleeding. Just three days later, John was readmitted after losing consciousness at home due to a retroperitoneal bleed caused by the anticoagulation medication.
Despite efforts to reverse the effects of Lovenox and resuscitate him with blood and fluids, John's condition deteriorated rapidly into multi-organ failure following coil embolization for bleeding from his lumbar artery. On September 13, 2021, Julie made the heart-wrenching decision to withdraw life support.
The lawsuit accuses Jupiter Medical Center of vicarious liability for failing to adhere to national guidelines regarding anticoagulation therapy and monitoring protocols before discharge. The center is also accused of not addressing John's compromised renal function or his age-related increased risk of bleeding adequately.
Dr. Christopher B. Zanko faces allegations of negligence for deviating from accepted standards by discharging John despite these risks and failing to monitor ongoing bleeding effectively or manage medication interactions properly.
Similarly, Jacinth Salomi Henton-O’Connor is charged with negligence for her role in John's care management that allegedly fell below professional standards expected from a licensed nurse practitioner.
Julie A. Timpe seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for pain and suffering endured by her late husband as well as funeral expenses among other costs incurred due to his untimely death.
Represented by Friedland & Associates P.A., Julie demands justice through jury trial proceedings against all defendants involved in this deeply distressing case (Case No.: 502024CA009248XXXAMB).