Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Eric Beyer, a patient of Sentara Family Medicine Physicians (SFMP), advised a treating physician that he was going to Africa on a missionary trip. The physician prescribed mefloquine, a malaria prophylactic. Less than two months after Beyer returned from Africa, he presented to SFMP, complaining of chills, night sweats, headache, and bladder pain. Approximately one month later, he was found unresponsive. He is survived by his mother and sister.

Beyer’s sister, on behalf of his estate, sued SFMP, alleging negligent failure to document the physician’s prescription of the malaria medication and Beyer’s trip to Africa in his electronic medical records and timely diagnose malaria when he presented to the practice after his trip.

The parties settled for a confidential amount.

Citation: Ezzelle v. Sentara Med. Grp., No. CL-23-00123 (Va. Cir. Ct. Norfolk City Aug. 22, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Gregory S. Larsen, Virginia Beach, Va.