Update on Kentucky Military Medical Malpractice Claim

As previously reported here, Staff Sargent Adam Cloer had filed a medical malpractice suit after doctor’s failed to diagnose his wife’s rectal cancer, even though she presented with the typical symptoms. The case had been settled, but only now are the details coming out.

While pending the signature of the US Attorney General, the claim has been settled for $2.15 million and the Staff Sargent was able to file the claim because of a loop-hole in the Feres Doctrine, which typically prevents military personnel from filing suit against the government for malpractice by military doctors.

The Feres Doctrine doesn’t apply to the families of military personnel, only the personnel themselves, so while Staff Sargent Cloer did in fact file a claim, it was on behalf of his wife, who was not in the military herself.