When Florida residents visit the hospital, they expect that they will receive the best care possible by skilled physicians. Although accidents happen, in the medical field, the smallest error can mean the difference between life and death. A drug overdose almost cost a 72-year-old woman her life. In return, she was awarded more than $9 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
The Connecticut woman was taken to Bridgeport Hospital in October 2007 after suffering a urinary tract infection. She was given an overdose of the drug Lovenox, which was created for use as a blood anticoagulant. As a result of the overdose, the woman was subject to multiple blood transfusions in order to control the bleeding and reverse damage caused to her organs.
The woman is now confined to a wheelchair and will face serious medical issues for the rest of her life. The lawsuit holds Bridgeport Hospital negligent and liable for the woman’s injuries. A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed, and the woman was recently awarded $9.3 million by a Superior Court.
Although many medical malpractice suits result in multi-million dollar awards, one has to keep in mind that medical bills account for most, if not all, of the award. Some cases of medical malpractice are so severe in nature that they require lifelong medical care, including rehabilitation, treatments and diagnostics, such as X-rays and MRIs. This is kept in mind when awarding compensation to victims.
Doctors are human just like the rest of us, but they still must be upheld to strict standards of care. When they neglect to care for their patients, they can be sued for the damage they cause. Those injured by a doctor can file a medical malpractice lawsuit and may receive financial recovery for many damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.
Source: The Courant, “Southport Woman Awarded $9.3 Million In Medical Malpractice Suit” Hilda Munoz, Oct. 25, 2013
