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Our Why

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Every patient deserves safe, competent, and compassionate medical care. But when a preventable failure in the healthcare system results in devastating consequences, families are left searching for answers and accountability.

This website was created to shed light on the failures that led to a young boy’s preventable septic shock after being discharged from Methodist Southlake Medical Center. Despite clear warning signs—fever, tachycardia, and dehydration—his condition was overlooked, and critical protocols were not followed. Just two days later, he was in intensive care, fighting for his life.

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We believe that no family should have to endure this kind of medical negligence. Our mission is to expose hospital failures, demand accountability from those responsible, and advocate for systemic changes to ensure patient safety.

By sharing this story, we aim to raise awareness, drive policy change, and prevent future medical errors. Together, we can hold the healthcare system to the highest standard and ensure no other child suffers due to preventable mistakes.

 

 

Legal Overview: Medical Negligence Allegations

A lawsuit was filed alleging medical negligence against Methodist Southlake Medical Center, Emergency Medicine Consultants (EMC, Ltd.), and Dr. Teresa Proietti in connection with the emergency care provided to Nicholas, an 11-year-old boy who suffered septic shock just two days after being discharged from the ER.
Timeline of Key Medical Events

December 14, 2023:

Nicholas was evaluated at Methodist Southlake Medical Center for flu-like symptoms. He tested positive for Influenza A and was discharged with a prescription for ibuprofen.

December 23, 2023:

Nicholas returned to the same ER with concerning symptoms: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fever (reported at 102°F), and full-body aches. He was evaluated by Dr. Teresa Proietti and discharged after approximately two hours.

Notable Vital Signs and Labs:

  • Heart rate: 130 bpm (tachycardia)

  • Blood pressure: 104/49 mmHg (low)

  • Creatinine: 1.45 (elevated)

  • Anion gap: borderline elevated

  • BUN/Creatinine ratio: abnormally low


Treatment Given:

  • One liter of IV fluids

  • 4 mg of Zofran IV

  • Prescription for Zofran

  • Advised to follow up with his pediatrician in two days (which was Christmas Day)


December 25, 2023:
Nicholas was rushed to Cook Children’s Medical Center and diagnosed with septic shock. He was admitted to the Pediatric ICU in critical condition, requiring:

  • Three additional IV fluid boluses

  • A continuous norepinephrine drip (a vasopressor used in life-threatening cases)

  • More than a month of hospitalization, including multiple surgeries


Core Allegations of the Lawsuit
The legal complaint asserts that Nicholas’s condition was not properly evaluated or treated during the December 23 ER visit, including:

  • Failure to reassess vital signs after IV fluids

  • Disregard of abnormal labs that showed signs of early sepsis

  • Lack of additional testing, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or blood cultures

  • Failure to consider or rule out sepsis, despite multiple red flags

  • Premature discharge without adequate stabilization or follow-up planning

  • Nursing negligence, including lack of documentation, incomplete assessment, and failure to escalate concerns
     

The complaint also alleges vicarious liability against Methodist Southlake and EMC for the actions of Dr. Proietti, asserting that both entities are legally responsible for her conduct.

What the Family Is Seeking

The original suit requested compensation for:

  • Nicholas’s physical and emotional pain and suffering

  • Past and future medical expenses

  • Loss of future earning capacity

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Update: Legal Hurdles and Systemic Challenges

The Uphill Battle for Emergency Room Accountability in Texas

In Texas, holding ER staff legally responsible is uniquely difficult due to SB 8 Tort Reform (2003). Unlike standard malpractice cases, plaintiffs must meet a much higher burden: proving “willful and wanton negligence”—meaning the provider knowingly ignored a substantial risk of harm.
This legal barrier often protects hospitals and emergency doctors even when care falls far below acceptable standards. Many valid claims never make it to trial.
While the case has been dismissed without prejudice, efforts continue behind the scenes. The family is actively evaluating all legal options in pursuit of transparency and justice.

Recent Developments

  • January 2025 – The initial lawsuit was dismissed. The family continues to seek legal avenues.

  • March 2025 – An appeal with the Texas Medical Board resulted in disciplinary action against Dr. Proietti.

  • April 2025 – A federal investigation revealed that Methodist Southlake received an EMTALA violation related to Nicholas’s ER visit.

  • May 2025 – The family supported new legislation to address ER accountability. Though it did not reach the floor, advocacy efforts continue.
     

Why This Story Matters

This case underscores the critical need for reform in pediatric emergency care. When early warning signs are missed, and critically ill children are sent home without proper treatment, the consequences can be devastating.
While the legal system makes accountability challenging, it does not make it impossible. Strong evidence, medical records, and community support remain powerful tools in the fight for safer care and justice.
 
No hospital should be above the law—especially when a child’s life is on the line.
 

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The Lawsuit and the State of Texas Laws

Medical Negligence - Dr. Teresa Prioetti and Methodist Hospital in Southlake

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