Opinion ID: 1678496
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: continuous treatment exception

Text: Dr. Iwersen continued to treat Frezell for the residual effects of the cauda equina syndrome. Frezell contends this subsequent treatment constitutes continuous treatment within the exception first announced in Williams v. Elias, 140 Neb. 656, 1 N.W.2d 121 (1941). Frezell argues that Dr. Iwersen continued to treat her for the complications of the February 2, 1981, surgery up to and including June 24, 1985. This fact was not disputed by Dr. Iwersen. The continuous treatment doctrine applies when there has been either a misdiagnosis upon which incorrect treatment is given or when there has been a continuing course of negligent treatment. It does not apply where there have been only isolated acts of negligence. Tiwald v. Dewey, 221 Neb. 547, 378 N.W.2d 671 (1985); Smith v. Dewey, 214 Neb. 605, 335 N.W.2d 530 (1983); Williams v. Elias, supra . Frezell does not allege the treatment after the surgery was negligent, nor does she allege the original diagnosis (cauda equina syndrome) was wrong. The trial court found that the specific acts of negligence occurred on February 2, 1981. The amended petition and record support only an isolated act of negligence, which precludes the application of the continuous treatment exception.