Benjamin v. University Internal Medicine Foundation

Eighteen-year-old Yukema Denise Benjamin went to the Emergency Room at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Hospital on October 25 and 28, 1994, complaining of headaches and neck pain. On both occasions, Yukema was directed to the Hospital’s Episodic Care Clinic (ECC) and, after examination, was discharged with prescriptions for medication to treat her headaches. On October 31, 1994, Yukema died from the effects of intracranial pressure due to failure of a fluid shunt which had been placed in her head as an infant.

Janie Mae Benjamin, administrator of Yukema’s estate, filed a motion for…