Seattle Pays $1.86M to Family in Lawsuit Over Fatal Delay in Medical Care

Tragic Consequences of a Delayed Emergency Response

The city of Seattle has settled a lawsuit for $1.86 million with the family of William Yurek, a man who tragically died of a heart attack in November 2021 due to a delayed medical response. The incident occurred when Yurek’s 13-year-old son called 911 for help after his father began experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing. Despite the urgency of the situation, emergency responders were instructed to wait for a police escort before entering the residence, as the address was on a “blacklist” due to a history of threats associated with a previous occupant. This delay ultimately proved fatal for Yurek, raising questions about the city’s emergency response protocols and the maintenance of its cautionary address list.

5 Key Points

• William Yurek’s 13-year-old son called 911 twice, pleading for help as his father suffered a heart attack.
• Emergency responders arrived at the scene within six minutes but were instructed to wait for a police escort due to the address being on a “blacklist.”
• Medics waited outside for 13 minutes before entering the home without police, following the second 911 call from Yurek’s son.
• Yurek did not survive, and experts suggest he could have had a 25% chance of survival if medical attention had been provided sooner.
• The city settled the lawsuit for $1.86 million and announced revisions to its guidelines on using and maintaining the cautionary address list.

The Fatal Consequences of a Delayed Response

The tragic death of William Yurek highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention in emergencies. According to the family’s attorney, Mark Lindquist, emergency responders arrived within six minutes of the initial 911 call. However, they were instructed to wait for a police escort before entering the residence due to a cautionary note associated with the address. This delay proved fatal for Yurek, who was in desperate need of immediate medical attention. Experts suggest that had medics been able to enter the home without waiting for police, Yurek could have had a 25% chance of survival despite his pre-existing medical condition and history of drug use.

The Importance of Accurate and Updated Cautionary Address Lists

One of the critical issues raised in the lawsuit was the accuracy and maintenance of the city’s “blacklist” of addresses requiring police escorts for emergency responders. In Yurek’s case, the previous occupant, identified as a combative individual no longer resided in the unit. However, the address had not been removed from the list, leading to a fatal delay in medical care. This incident underscores the critical importance of regularly reviewing and updating cautionary address lists to ensure that emergency responders have accurate information and can make informed decisions about the need for police escorts.

Balancing Safety Concerns with the Need for Swift Medical Intervention

While the safety of emergency responders is of utmost importance, the lawsuit against the city of Seattle raises questions about the balance between ensuring the security of medical personnel and providing timely care to those in need. Lindquist argued that the city was negligent not only in failing to maintain an accurate cautionary address list but also in continuing to require police escorts for medics despite the well-known understaffing of the Seattle Police Department. This policy, he alleged, increased the likelihood of officers arriving late to emergency scenes, potentially jeopardizing the lives of those requiring urgent medical attention.

The Importance of Accountability and Policy Reform

The settlement of the lawsuit for $1.86 million serves as a form of accountability for the city of Seattle and a recognition of the tragic consequences of the delayed medical response in Yurek’s case. While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one, the family expressed satisfaction that the case was resolved justly and fairly. Notably, the city announced revisions to its guidelines on the use and maintenance of the cautionary address list following the suit, demonstrating a commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future. This policy reform is critical in ensuring that emergency responders have the information and flexibility they need to provide swift, life-saving care to those in need.