Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
Drug overdose while in hospital, which I didn't need.
my urologist told me I had to be admited to the hospital because my kidney was blocked. my primary dr. disagreed but i went.At the hospital a nurse gave me a shot of Demerol while I already had 2 painkillers. I was told i would get 5m. She gave me 35 directly in an IV(Demerol is only to be given in a muscle unless its diluted)I was unable to breath & almost died.Then they had to inject me with ANOTHER narcotic agent called Narcan to stop the overdose of Demerol.The entire time they yelled at me that it was only a panic attack and I should just be quiet and calm down. This was clearly a lie since Narcan is ONLY given in the case of an overdose and is NEVER used for ''panic attacks''. I was in complete and pure terror for over an hour unable to breath, or see normally. my doctor was called in and he said ''well, she can't have surgery like this so the stone will have to pass on it's own. let her go home tomorrow.'' so why was i there at all?? I still feel like my brain isn't working right. I cannot sleep or eat and I am tramuatized by what happened and have horrible short term memory. can sue them to cover the cost of therapy?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Drug overdose while in hospital, which I didn't need.
Mr. Brod is correct. No atty can tell you if you have a claim without research and investigation. Keep in mind that even if there was malpractice, you may not be able to show damages, or enough damages to make a suit worth while. LITIGATION IS NOT FUN! It is upsetting for years. It's hard work. It isn't always worth it. The best you can hope for is an atty who will help you investigate your claim, then give you his best advise on weather you have a worthwhile suit.
I'm sorry for what happened to you.
Re: Drug overdose while in hospital, which I didn't need.
The challenge in your potential claim is not proving something was mishandled but whether there have been life long consequences which might have been otherwise avoided. If the memory disorder you describe has been produced by shock resulting from the overdose then you certainly have a claim worth examining and pursuing.
If you would like information about our firm go to our website www.malpractice-lawyer.net
Please feel free to call our toll free number 800 440-5297 and ask to speak to one of the medical personal who conduct initial interviews.
Re: Drug overdose while in hospital, which I didn't need.
Thank you for your inquiry. Clearly this was an awful and terrifying experience for you and from what facts you have given us it sounds like a medical mistake was made. However, there is not enough information here to say for sure you have a viable medical malpractice case. Many factors are involved, including cause and effect of the what was done done to you and any present problems you are experiencing and their severity and duration. For example-I do not know your past medical history-that could come into play. First, you must obtain the medical/hospital records. Also, you must see additional physicians
unconnected with this treatment to evaluate, document and treat the medical conditions you say arose from this experience.Those physicians must also render a medical opinion as to how and why these problems occurred which you allege arose from the overdose and likely were caused because you did in fact receive improper medications and/or overdose. You did not mention when or where this incident occurred, but it is VERY IMPORTANT-that you realize you have TWO YEARS (2)-assuming PA. law applies from the date of this incident to file a lawsuit-otherwise you will be forever barred from pursuing a case. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us any tine but you must take the above steps without delay.
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