In a tragic case that underscores the critical importance of medical oversight, Jonathan Levy has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bethesda Hospital Inc., Dr. Minesh Patel, and the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County on November 4, 2024. The defendants are accused of negligence leading to the untimely death of Wisnel Charles.
The case revolves around events that transpired in June 2022 when Wisnel Charles was admitted to Bethesda Hospital East with severe abdominal pain and other symptoms. After undergoing surgery for a bowel obstruction, Charles' care was overseen by Dr. Minesh Patel and resident physician Teresa Koger under the supervision of Florida Atlantic University's residency program at Bethesda Hospital. The lawsuit claims that both Dr. Patel and Koger failed to provide adequate medical care following a fall Charles suffered while hospitalized, which ultimately led to his death from acute cardiopulmonary arrest on June 27, 2022.
According to the complaint, despite being informed that Charles had hit his head during the fall, no CT scan was ordered by Dr. Patel or Koger to assess potential injuries. This omission occurred even after concerns were raised by nursing staff about the lack of such diagnostic orders. The lawsuit alleges that this failure constituted a breach of professional medical standards and directly contributed to Charles' death.
Jonathan Levy, acting as the personal representative for Wisnel Charles' estate, is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for wrongful death. The lawsuit highlights several points of negligence: failure to order necessary diagnostic tests, inadequate supervision of resident physicians by Dr. Patel, and systemic failures within Bethesda Hospital's protocols for patient safety and fall prevention.
The plaintiff argues that these lapses resulted not only in physical harm but also emotional distress for Charles' surviving family members, including his wife Adeline Charles and sons Eleazar and Jehojada Charles. They claim loss of companionship and support due to what they describe as preventable medical errors.
Levy's legal team is demanding accountability from all parties involved: Bethesda Hospital for its direct negligence and vicarious liability over its staff; Dr. Patel for failing in his duties as an attending physician; and FAU Board of Trustees for their role in overseeing resident training programs at the hospital.
Representing Jonathan Levy is attorney Timothy D. Kenison from Goldlaw based in West Palm Beach, Florida. The case is presided over by Judge Charles E. Burton under Case ID 502024CA010543XXXAMB.