Doctor error in Maryland could have lasting impact on patients

Maryland residents seek the healing expertise of medical professionals when they are ailing. Going to the local emergency room when one is in immediate need of a physician is usually never given a second thought. But when hospital negligence or doctor error result in an adverse health outcome, or even in death, some may begin to question the knowledge and care given when making decisions of some in the medical field.

A 46-year-old woman in another state was recently awarded $12 million after a jury found her to be the victim of a hospital medical error. The victim went to the emergency room upon advice of her primary care physician for unusually thin blood. She was given the drug Profilnine to reverse her higher-than-normal level of international normalized radio (INR), which is used to measure blood levels.

According to the hospital’s guidelines, patients presenting with her symptoms should only be given the drug Profilnine if they have serious or life-threatening bleeding or require immediate emergency surgery, which the victim did not. Shortly after given the drug, the woman experienced a code arrest, and doctors were able to restore her heart rate and blood pressure to normal levels with a blood clot-busting drug. Despite the hospital’s efforts, the woman never regained consciousness and remains in a vegetative state.

Permanent injury or wrongful death due to doctor error or hospital negligence can be painful, both financially and physically, for the victim and his or her family. Seeking legal counsel from a Maryland attorney well-versed in medical malpractice may help families to understand their legal options. Compensation from a successful claim can help to cover medical and/or final expenses and future family needs.

Source: tucson.com, “Tucson woman wins $12 million jury verdict against Banner-UMC in malpractice case“, Stephanie Innes, Nov. 8, 2017