She had a stroke after a Bellingham ER visit. 7 years later the case goes to trial
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- Jury trial begins in a 6-year-old negligence case involving PeaceHealth doctor.
- Plaintiff alleges misdiagnosis led to stroke, vision loss and reduced mobility.
- Defendants include physician, hospital foundation and emergency physicians group.
Almost six years after the filing of a medical negligence lawsuit against a PeaceHealth emergency medicine physician, a jury trial to determine the award of damages will begin in Whatcom County Superior Court.
According to court records, Ferndale resident Patricia Parker went to the emergency room of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in April 2018 to seek treatment for a severe headache, confusion and vision loss. She was seen by Dr. Ralph Weiche, who allegedly misdiagnosed her with a conversion disorder.
The misdiagnosis was due to a failure to conduct comprehensive examinations and tests or consult with a neurology specialist, the lawsuit alleges, and led to a delay in treatment for Parker’s actual condition. She later experienced an occipital stroke, permanent vision loss and a “severe decline” in mobility, according to court documents.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation and Northwest Emergency Physicians are named as defendants in the lawsuit along with Weiche, who became the Medical Program Director for Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services in January.
In pretrial motions Monday, attorneys for Northwest Emergency Physicians said they would be vicariously liable for Weiche’s actions if the jury decides to award damages to Parker and her husband. They also acknowledged the length of the legal case.
Parker is seeking damages for past and future pain and suffering, physical impairment, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, past and future medical care and past and future lost earnings. Her husband, Carson Parker, is seeking damages for loss of consortium, which relates to the suffering of a spouse. Neither requested a specific monetary amount.
Once a jury is selected, the trial is expected to last three weeks.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.