Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania

Prescription Overdose

My 85 year old grandmother had Chronic Renal Failure, and was anemic. She also had a small aortic aneurysm, which was checked just a month ago and had not grown much in the 6 years she's had it. Other than that, she was in exceptionally good health for her age. Her doctor prescribed Procrit (an injectable, natural growth hormone, just like one the body is supposed to make naturally) to cure her anemia. The information I've read in several places says the usual starting dose is 50-100 Units, three times a week. This doctor prescribed 20,000 units three times a week. (She weighed 114 pounds.) After just a few injections, she died. The autopsy showed her aneurysm burst, but could not prove any traces of the medication was in her body due to the fact that it's a natural hormone and is not easily detectable. Her family KNOWS it was the drug that caused it. Do we have a case?


Asked on 4/13/02, 8:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Diamond DIAMONDLAWYER

Re: Prescription Overdose

It is certainly worth looking into. Medical Malpractice cases involve expert witness testimony. In order to look into the matter, the attny would need the medical records. You should consult personally with an attnorney. Our office handles med aml cases. If you like, you may call me at 800-310-4800. Otherwise, call any other competent malpractice attny.

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Answered on 4/15/02, 9:54 am


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