Doctor sued after boy goes blind

TOLLAND, Conn. (WTNH) - The family of a Tolland boy is suing his pediatrician saying he is blind as a result of her failed diagnosis.

When he was 7 years old, Adam Mlodzinski was an active, energetic boy. He played soccer in a league with older kids. But on Halloween of 2009, he didn't have that energy. His mom took him to Doctor Judy Huang-Bulger at Vernon Pediatrics.

According to a recent lawsuit, instead of recognizing the little boy had life-threatening bacterial meningitis, Dr. Huang-Bulger diagnosed him with an ear infection and then ignored his worsening systems.

"What should have happened is the doctor should have recognized the symptoms were worsening and think beyond a possible ear infection," said Joel Faxon, from Stratton Faxon Law Firm and the Mlodzinski's lawyer.

Over the next couple days, Adam's mom took him back to the doctor several times.

News 8 spoke Faxon about what happened at the the last visit, the morning of November 2.

"Was treated - mistreated, and his Mom called the office that afternoon and the receptionist refused to allow him to com in to be seen again or to have a doctor call him, so what happened is he was treated by a receptionist," explained Faxon.

It turned out Adam didn't have and ear infection. He had bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain. He fell into a coma for months. When he finally woke up he was blind, and he had to learn how to walk and eat all over again. He's 9 now and he'll need medical care for the rest of his life.

News 8 contacted lawyers for the the doctor and they say nothing was done wrong when it came to treating Adam. Adam's family is suing the doctor and her practice saying if she had only caught the meningitis sooner, Adam might be fine today.

"They should be ashamed at the way they operate, and they need to take drastic action because in this case, their failure to properly treat Adam resulted in a catastrophic consequence," Faxon said.

His family is trying to make the most of that catastrophic consequence. They started 'Adam's Adventure,' a charity raising money to build a playground in the Tolland area. It will be a special playground with activities designed for children with all different abilities.