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Knowledge is Power
This page aims to provide information about a case involving Nicholas, an 11-year-old who reportedly experienced a severe medical incident following an emergency room visit at a hospital in Southlake, Texas. The incident is now the subject of legal proceedings.
The page intends to share details about this case as they become available through official channels. The goal is to raise awareness about the reported situation and encourage others to be informed about healthcare providers and the quality of care in their local medical facilities.
Questions have been raised about how the incident was initially handled and addressed. This case highlights potential concerns in emergency medical care that may be relevant to the wider community.
As the legal process unfolds, this page will aim to present information related to the ongoing case. Readers are encouraged to follow official sources for verified facts and outcomes as they become available.
The intention is to inform the public about this reported incident and to potentially prevent similar situations in the future. It raises the question: How well do you know the medical care available in your area?
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The Lawsuit and the State of Texas Laws
Medical Negligence - Dr. Teresa Prioetti and Methodist Hospital in Southlake
The lawsuit alleges medical negligence against Methodist Southlake Medical Center, Dr. Teresa Prioetti, and Emergency Medicine Consultants EMC, Ltd.
Key events and allegations:
December 14, 2023:
N.M. was treated at Methodist Southlake for flu-like symptoms.
He tested positive for Influenza A and was discharged with a prescription.
December 23, 2023:
N.M. returned to Methodist Southlake with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, headache, and body aches. He was treated by Dr. Prioetti and discharged after about two hours.
Notable medical findings:
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Significantly elevated heart rate of 130 beats per minute (tachycardia)
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Several abnormal lab results, including borderline elevated anion gap, mildly elevated creatinine, and depressed BUN/Creatinine ratio
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Treatment received:
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One liter of normal saline IV
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4 mg of Zofran IV
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He was discharged with a Zofran prescription and advised to follow up with his pediatrician in two days - which was Christmas Day.
Instead, on December 25, 2023:
N.M. was admitted to Cook Children's Medical Center in septic shock. He had dangerously low blood pressure and required:
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Three boluses of saline IV
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Norepinephrine drip (described as "a serious medication reserved for seriously ill patients")
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N.M. spent over a month in the hospital, including time in the ICU.
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The lawsuit claims that the care provided on December 23 was below standard because:
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Dr. Prioetti failed to properly assess N.M.'s condition, including:
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Not rechecking vital signs after treatment
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Overlooking several abnormal lab results
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Failing to order additional necessary tests (like a CBC)
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Not considering or testing for sepsis despite concerning symptoms and lab results
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The nursing staff failed to properly assess and monitor N.M.'s condition.
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N.M. was prematurely discharged without adequate treatment or follow-up plans.
The plaintiffs argue that if proper care had been given on December 23, N.M.'s severe condition and prolonged hospitalization could have been avoided. They're seeking compensation for:
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N.M.'s physical and mental pain and suffering
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Past and future medical expenses
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Legal aspects:
The hospital (Methodist Southlake) and Emergency Medicine Consultants EMC are named in the lawsuit under "vicarious liability," meaning they're considered responsible for Dr. Prioetti's actions as her employers or principals.
The plaintiffs have followed required legal procedures, including providing notice to the defendants as required by Texas law.
The case is set for a jury trial.
Update --
The Uphill Battle for Justice in Texas ER Malpractice Cases
Facing the trauma of medical negligence is hard enough, but fighting for justice in Texas feels almost impossible. This case against the ER, where Nicholas suffered harm, has been dismissed without prejudice. While we technically have the option to refile, Texas malpractice law makes it feel like a losing battle.
Under state law, we must prove "willful and wanton negligence"—a standard so high that even clear instances of gross negligence are often overlooked. This legal hurdle is designed to protect ER providers, but it also silences victims like Nicholas, leaving us without closure or accountability.
We not giving up, but we can’t help feeling frustrated by a system that seems to prioritize shielding hospitals and ER doctors over addressing the harm done to patients. Nicholas deserves justice, and so do countless others who face similar struggles.
Update- this lawsuit is now dismissed as we find a new attorney and work the system.
The Harsh Reality of Suing an Emergency Room in Texas
Holding an emergency room accountable for medical negligence in Texas is extremely difficult due to strict state laws designed to protect hospitals, not patients.
Under Texas law (SB 8, 2003 Tort Reform), ER doctors and nurses are shielded by a higher legal standard—plaintiffs must prove “willful and wanton negligence”, meaning the medical staff knew a patient was in danger and consciously ignored the risk. This is far beyond standard medical malpractice cases, where proving simple negligence is enough.
Even when hospitals ignore clear warning signs, discharge critically ill patients, or fail to follow protocols, these protections make it nearly impossible for families to get justice.
The system is stacked against victims, but that doesn’t mean accountability is impossible which is why we are fighting back. With strong evidence, expert testimony, and persistence, families can fight for change and push back against negligent healthcare practices.
No hospital should be above the law—especially when lives are at stake.
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