Two years after the tragic death of 16-year-old Samson Fluck, a $16 million settlement has been reached between the family and Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.
According to attorney Matt Casey of the law firm Ross Feller Casey LLP, a medical malpractice lawsuit was filed in April 2023 on behalf of Fluck's parents, Bethany Fine and Jason Fluck.
The lawsuit alleges that Samson Fluck went to Wayne Memorial Hospital on November 3, 2022, where he complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. A chest x-ray was ordered and correctly interpreted, showing a mass in the center of Fluck's chest.
Samson Fluck, pictured during the 2022 football season, died on November 6, 2022 at the age of 16.
According to the lawsuit, the radiologist recommended a CT scan with contrast that would have better visualized the area in question. Despite this recommendation, Wayne Memorial emergency department staff did not order a CT scan and discharged him from the emergency department.
Fluck suffered cardiac arrest and died on November 6. His autopsy revealed that he had a form of cancer called lymphoblastic lymphoma, which was compressing his aorta and trachea.
Fluck was a sophomore at Honesdale High School at the time of his death, a multi-sport standout who excelled in football and baseball.
Wayne County wanderings: Community is reeling after the death of Samson Fluck
The case was scheduled to begin on Jan. 6 in Lackawanna County before Judge James Gibbons, according to Casey. Instead, a $16 million settlement was reached by the Fluck family and Wayne Memorial Hospital, represented by CEO James Pettinato.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Samson Fluck's family, Wayne Memorial Hospital, settles malpractice lawsuit
