A big part of successful medical treatment involves attention to detail and meticulous planning by doctors and nurses. Any slip-up or missed step by providers, no matter how minor, can have disastrous consequences for the patient. This is especially true when it comes to administering medications. Every person can respond differently to medications and allergic reactions to medications have been known to result in death. In Kentucky and across the country, medication errors are the basis of many medical malpractice claims.
A lawsuit filed against a medical facility in another state claimed that a medication error led to the death of an Air Force veteran. The lawsuit said the man sought treatment at the medical center due to nausea and vomiting. According to the lawsuit, the defendant administered doses of a medication called pegfilgtastim although the man had been prescribed filgrastim.
The lawsuit claimed that the alleged medication error caused the man to develop pulmonary toxicity and a severe lung injury. Allegedly, after receiving several doses of the wrong medication, the man’s condition worsened considerably and he died only a few days later. Reportedly, the lawsuit was settled and the man’s family received $800,000.
Doctors and nurses in Kentucky are highly skilled and well-trained professionals. However, no amount of training or experience can totally eliminate mistakes from happening. When medical malpractice results in the death of a loved one, the surviving family members have the option to pursue legal action. A successful claim could result in a substantial monetary award to cover end-of-life expenses and other monetary losses.