Typically, when someone is hurt, that person will go to the doctor, trusting that the trained professional will help them. Unfortunately, doctor errors can occur, in New York and the rest of the country, and these errors can have tragic consequences. The family of a man who contracted meningitis and then subsequently committed suicide sued the pain clinic, and they were recently awarded a $2.88 million verdict.
The man had been suffering from chronic back pain, and he went to the pain clinic to receive steroid shots to help ease his pain. In 2008, he received two steroid shots, administered by one doctor at the clinic. However, when he returned in Jan. 2009 for another shot, a different doctor administered the shot. A couple of days later, a large red lump appeared at the injection spot. It was later deduced that an antiseptic swab likely was not made before the shot was administered.
Several days later, the man went back to the clinic for another injection because the other shot did not relieve his pain. He told the nurse about the red lump, but the lump was not recorded on the man's medical record. Trial testimony indicated that the second injection probably punctured through the infected area, giving him meningitis. The man was in constant pain, had trouble getting around and became incontinent. His debilitating condition ultimately caused him to take his life.
The family of the man sued the clinic, claiming that the claimed hospital negligence and doctor errors could have easily been avoided if the medical professionals simply had paid more attention when administering the steroid injections. Tragically, negligence such as this can occur anyplace, including in New York. Thankfully, there are professionals available who can provide helpful guidance and information on potential legal action with regard to victims of medical malpractice.
Source: The Wichita Eagle, "Johnson County jury awards $2.88 million in malpractice case against pain clinic", Alan Bavley, April 6, 2014
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