Jury Awards $3.3 Million Verdict After Man Dies From Being Administered Ten Times Prescribed Medication

Prescription drug errors are one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, typically due to the wrong dosage or the wrong medication. If the healthcare provider fails to provide the accepted standard of care resulting in serious harm or death, the victim (or surviving family members) should seek legal counsel to determine his/her rights.

Here is a medical malpractice case example that proves there needs to be better check-and-balance systems, especially when you are talking about life-and-death circumstances. If someone would have verified that the correct dosage of medication was being given, this patient may be alive today.

A Chicago jury has awarded $3.3 million to the family of a man who died after he was given 10 times the ordered dosage of an anti-viral medication at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH).

The 56-year-old patient went the NMH in 2010 to be treated for an infection following a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Doctors ordered 2,400 milligrams of the antiviral medical known as Foscarnet, a drug usually used with patients who have compromised immune systems. Due to a pharmacy error, the patient was administered 24, 000 milligrams in a single hour. The man immediately began to feel numb, became cold, and tried to vomit. Then, his kidneys began to shut down. He was placed on kidney dialysis, but eventually passed away.

The hospital admitted negligence for dispensing and administering ten times the prescribed drug, but denied the overdose caused the man’s death. During trial, the jury rejected that theory and awarded a $3.3 million verdict in favor of the plaintiff.

Although no amount of money can make up for the pain and suffering endured from medical negligence, the victim (or surviving family members) has the right to be compensated. Unfortunately, receiving just compensation can take years; time most victims don’t have because financial pressures are usually exacerbated by medical and/or funeral and burial expenses. When this happens, litigation funding is a great way to lessen the financial burden until a settlement is reached.

The fastest way to apply for litigation funding is by completing an online application. Upon receipt, Lawsuit Financial will contact your attorney for case documentation. Our underwriters review the materials on merit alone; we don’t need a credit check or employment verification. If approved, we can typically provide funding within 24 hours. The best part is that you pay no out of pocket costs whatsoever; we are repaid from the proceeds of the settlement. Should you lose your case, repayment of the cash advance is completely waived.

If you believe you or someone you love has been the victim of a prescription error or medication mistake, you should consult a medical malpractice attorney. Additionally, if you or your family is going through the emotional and financial stress from a medical malpractice or wrongful death, litigation funding may be the answer to help you through these times. No amount of money will ever replace a loved one, but litigation funding can help financially through the most difficult times. It is a means to assist with your financial burdens while your lawyer seeks appropriate justice. Call Lawsuit Financial toll-free at 1- 877-377-7848, or click here to apply.