Guam couple sues Naval Hospital alleging medical malpractice

A Guam couple is seeking $30-million in damages from the federal government, specifically the US Naval hospital Guam. 

Plaintiffs Sandra and John Leipheimer accused the military hospital of medical malpractice and negligence. 

The lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Guam a day after Christmas, with their administrative federal tort claims denied earlier this summer. The Leipheimer's alleged Naval hospital neglected the wife's worsening conditions and abandoned her. 

In April of 2021, Mrs. Leipheimer was admitted to the hospital’s ER for a suspected abscess in the left side of her face. 

The lawsuit states she has a history of aortic stenosis, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The doctor assessed her condition and performed surgery. 

The suit alleges that in less than 48 hours, the hospital discharged her with oral antibiotics, but her condition was not resolved and instead worsened. In the following days, she complained of extreme pain and fever, numbness in her jaw and neck, and was unable to fully open her jaw or move the left side of her mouth. 

She was advised that she would need a CT-scan and blood work but the hospital allegedly told her their CT-scan was not working and sent her home with worsening conditions. 

Furthermore, she alleges the hospital failed to refer her to other providers or arrange for alternative care. Her deteriorating state resulted in permanent scarring and disfigurement, further surgeries, emotional distress for both husband and wife, and more. 

The couple's attorney declined to comment on the lawsuit at this time.

KUAM also reached out to Naval hospital for comment.