A jury has awarded $12.6 million to a patient who had all four limbs amputated due to a medication error at University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine in 1998, according to a Sun Sentinel report.
However, that amount will be halved after the jury also found the patient's mother 40 percent liable for the patient's outcomes. According to the report, in 1998 the patient received a vaccine that is designed to protect against infection for individuals without spleens. The vaccine the patient received, however, was five months expired.
Approximately eight months later, the patient was rushed to the hospital due to bacterial infection that later forced physicians to amputate both arms and legs above the joints. Although the University of Miami and the patient's physician were found at fault, the jury also determined the patient's mother failed to administer enough medication to hold off the infection, according to the report.
The verdict is expected to be appealed.
However, that amount will be halved after the jury also found the patient's mother 40 percent liable for the patient's outcomes. According to the report, in 1998 the patient received a vaccine that is designed to protect against infection for individuals without spleens. The vaccine the patient received, however, was five months expired.
Approximately eight months later, the patient was rushed to the hospital due to bacterial infection that later forced physicians to amputate both arms and legs above the joints. Although the University of Miami and the patient's physician were found at fault, the jury also determined the patient's mother failed to administer enough medication to hold off the infection, according to the report.
The verdict is expected to be appealed.
Related Articles on Medication Errors:
Number of Serious Adverse Events in Massachusetts Remain Unchanged Last Year
AHRQ Offers Toolkit That Enhances Medication Safety Through ED Pharmacist
Electronic Detection of Adverse Drug Events Not Reliable