Opinion ID: 1161746
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Imputation to Dr. Fogarty

Text: We agree that Dr. Feagin's course of treatment should be imputed to Dr. Fogarty. This approach is consistent with our prior decisions concerning the continuous treatment rule. In Metzger v. Kalke, supra, 709 P.2d at 417, we observed that the effect of an erroneous diagnosis may continue long after the diagnosis is actually made: `[E]ach time an incorrect diagnosis was made and an incorrect treatment applied, plaintiff's injuries were extended. It was not the error in the diagnosis originally made by defendant but its adherence thereto and course of treatment that brought about the injuries. ' (Emphasis added.) (Quoting Williams v. Elias, 140 Neb. 656, 1 N.W.2d 121 (1941)) In the present case, it was Dr. Feagin's adherence to Dr. Fogarty's diagnosis which dictated the nature and duration of appellant's treatment. In Echols v. Keeler, supra, 735 P.2d at 731-32, we adopted the rationale that `it would be absurd to require a wronged patient to interrupt corrective efforts by serving a summons on the physician.' 1 D. Louisell and H. Williams, Medical Malpractice, ¶ 13.08 (1986). It would be no less absurd to require a patient to interrupt corrective efforts by serving a summons upon a pathologist while the patient's treating physician is continuing to rely upon that pathologist's diagnosis. It cannot be said that Dr. Fogarty no longer assisted in treating Ms. Sharsmith after making his diagnosis, or that he was no longer associated with Dr. Feagin. Until the alleged misdiagnosis was corrected, or until Dr. Feagin ceased to rely upon it, Dr. Fogarty's constructive involvement in that treatment was sufficient to constitute the requisite assistance or association and prevent the running of the statute of limitations. We conclude that, for purposes of the statute of limitations, Dr. Feagin's course of treatment should be imputed to Dr. Fogarty, `on the grounds of fairness as well as on the basis of logic.' Echols v. Keeler, supra at 731, quoting 1 Louisell and Williams, Medical Malpractice, ¶ 13.08 (1986). Appellant's claim against Dr. Fogarty and her corresponding vicarious liability claim against St. John's Hospital are not barred by the statute of limitations.