After settling a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over missteps in emergency medical services, the District is finiding itself on the defense again.
And former D.C. Council member William Lightfoot is set to lead the way, telling the Washington Post that he is planning to sue the city on behalf of 39-year-old Edward L. Givens, who died in December. Givens' family say their son died needlessly after EMS workers misdiagnosed his chest pains and breathing problems.
When paramedics responded to a 911 call, family members said Givens was told his vital signs were normal and that he should take an antacid for indigestion.
Six hours later, Givens was lying on the floor, not breathing.
The coroner has ruled Givens died of a heart attack.
Attorney General Peter J. Nickles told the WashPost that he is still studying the case, but he didn't hesitate to respond to the news of Lightfoot's plans. "Bill's a good lawyer," Nickles told reporter Elissa Silverman. "I look forward to seeing him in court."
