When Dan Stokes had an elective outpatient procedure, his family never expected that it would lead to an unthinkable tragedy. Due to medical negligence, Dan developed a preventable infection that cost him his life. As a result, his wife, Amy, and their two young boys had the “rock” of their family ripped away. 

In the depths of her grief, Amy found Jason. Jason fought to give the Stokes family a future when they thought all hope was lost.

Meet the Stokes Family

Dan was good friends with Amy’s oldest brother. When he invited her on a date and she asked her brother about it, she was surprised to hear him say, “Dan’s my only friend I would let you go out with.” 

Within a few years, Dan and Amy were married. “We had an amazing life. He was my knight in shining armor,” shared Amy. Dan was the sole breadwinner for Amy and their two boys. When he wasn’t working, Dan was very involved with the household and coaching the boys’ Little League teams.

Dan and Amy never could have predicted that a simple procedure would flip their lives upside down. Dan met with a surgeon to treat varicose veins in his leg. He was scheduled to undergo radiofrequency ablation, a non-surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Radiofrequency ablation typically takes an hour, followed by a quick and easy healing process. But for Dan, recovery took a dark turn.

From Minor Surgery to Septic Shock

Dan’s surgeon gravely underestimated the risks posed by his underlying rheumatoid arthritis, the medication used to treat it, and his diabetes. The surgeon’s negligence led to a serious infection that ended Dan’s life.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition. People with RA have an overactive immune system that attacks healthy tissue in their joints. It’s typically controlled with medication that suppresses the immune system. While immunosuppressant therapy is standard for RA, it’s also well known to lower the body’s defenses against infection. 

Dan also had diabetes, a chronic condition that poses clear risks during and after surgery. People with diabetes have a higher chance of infection and impaired wound healing. Both RA and diabetes require special care and monitoring before, during, and after medical procedures.

Dan had two significant risk factors for developing a post-surgical infection. The surgeon ignored them both.

When Dan attended his follow-up visit a week after the ablation, the surgeon assured him that everything was fine. However, he soon developed intense flu-like symptoms that prompted Amy to call an ambulance. Once in the hospital, it was discovered that Dan had a severe infection called necrotizing fasciitis as a complication of the ablation. This infection took over his major organs, and his body was unable to fight it off.

“The surgeon failed to appropriately understand and appreciate the risks of Dan’s underlying medical conditions and the immunosuppressant medication he was on,” said Jason. He explained that the surgeon should have stopped Dan’s immunosuppressants before the procedure and waited longer to restart treatment. 

Lighting the Path to Healing

“Amy was a young widow, a single mom now, raising two very young children,” said Jason. “When I meet with clients like Amy and hear about their tragedies, my heart, obviously, breaks for them. But it motivates and drives me to pursue justice on their behalf.”

No settlement can make up for the devastating loss that Amy and her sons have experienced. However, Jason’s win ensures that Amy won’t have to worry about expenses like sending her boys to college. 

“There’s not a doubt in my mind that if anybody else is unfortunately going through something like I went through, Matzus law is the way to go. They go above and beyond to make sure that you get what you deserve,” said Amy.

Amy was moved by the compassion Jason expressed to her and her boys. She says he worked harder for her than anyone else. “The process was very easy from my end. Jason did all of the heavy lifting,” shared Amy. “I didn’t really have to do anything,” she said. 

You’re Not Alone

Have you or your loved one suffered because of medical negligence? 

Negligence isn’t just a form of medical malpractice on paper; it’s a wrongful act that forever alters real lives.

Unfortunately, too many cases go unaddressed, and the parties responsible aren’t held accountable. This leaves a wake of preventable tragedies and devastated families.

Don’t suffer in silence. Call (412) 206-5300 and get the representation your family needs.

 

 1. Endovenous Thermal Ablation. Cleveland Clinic. Updated October 20, 2022.

 2. Rath L. Everything You Need to Know About Immunosuppressants. Arthritis Foundation. December 8, 2022.

 3. Preparing for Surgery When You Have Diabetes. MedlinePlus. Updated May 13, 2023.

Anastasia Climan

Written by

Anastasia Climan
Aron Solomon

Fact Checked by

Aron Solomon
Jason

Legally Reviewed by

Jason Matzus

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