A mother is suing a northwest Las Vegas hospital after she claims they improperly treated her daughter because she didn't have health insurance.
Amy Vilela said her daughter Shalynne visited Centennial Hills Hospital back in 2015 for leg pain.
3 weeks later, 22-year-old Shalynne died of a stroke caused by a massive pulmonary embolism, or blood clot, in her leg.
"The last thing she said to me was mommy I love you," Vilela said.
Vilela believes Shalynne's death could have been prevented if the staff at Centennial Hills Hospital would have extensively treated her daughter's symptoms.
In medical records provided by Vilela, she claims the nurse never took Shalynne's medical history. Records show much of the information was incorrect, including her daughter's race.
"An X-ray and that's all that they could do. Shalynne kept asking for an MRI and something for the pain, but they said no," Vilela said.
“Centennial Hills Hospital places the greatest priority on the care and safety of its patients regardless of their ability to pay. Centennial Hills Hospital does not require insurance before rendering treatment in accordance with its legal obligations. This patient’s insurance status played no role in the care and treatment she received. She was assessed by appropriate medical personnel, screened, had x-rays taken and was evaluated before being discharged. At no point did Centennial Hills require proof of insurance, demand payment for services, or withhold treatment based upon her insurance status. While our hearts go out to the family of this young woman, she was cared for as any other patient presenting to the hospital for care would have been treated.”
Vilela said the family found out Shalynne did have health insurance after her death. At the time, she was switching jobs, which is what caused confusion when she visited the hospital.
