$575,000 Settlement for Medication Error

The plaintiff, a 71-year-old retired male, came under the care of a cardiologist for an arrhythmia of the heart. The defendant cardiologist prescribed a medication used to treat arrhythmia, in the highest recommended dosage and with refills. The medication, however, carries a known and significant risk of causing organ toxicity with prolonged administration in such doses. It was alleged that the cardiologist failed to properly monitor both the administration of the drug, and failed to properly re-assess the plaintiff’s condition over the ensuing months. As a result of taking the medication as prescribed, the plaintiff developed pulmonary fibrosis which, in turn, led to the need for supplemental oxygen on a 24/7 basis. The claim was resolved for $575,000.