Family of UIHC patient paid $875K after brain infection
IOWA CITY — After a 61-year-old Wright County man who previously suffered a brain aneurysm died in June 2023 from an unrelated fungal infection, University of Iowa Health Care has agreed to pay his family $875,000 “to avoid the risks of future litigation and trial.” James Deimerly’s family sued the state for its oversight of UIHC in December 2024 — accusing Deimerly’s UI care team of negligence for failing to conduct a “fundus examination” of the patient’s eyes, diagnose and treat meningitis, and diagnose and treat intracranial pressure. “UIHC is vicariously liable for the negligent acts of its doctors, nurses, assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists, agents, and other health care professionals who may have provided care to Jim Deimerly,” according to allegations in the lawsuit, which state attorneys have denied. “The death of Jim Deimerly, along with the resulting harms and damages, would not have occurred but for the negligence of providers at UIHC.” More than three years ago on June 17, 2023, Deimerly came to UIHC complaining of seizure-like activity for a week, a severe headache, frequent hiccups and nausea, according to the family’s lawsuit. He was told to continue anti-seizure medication and given additional tests — such as a
