Published by Arfaa Law Group
The tragic loss of a loved one due to alleged medical negligence can have devastating consequences. Recently, a Howard County jury awarded a historic multi-million verdict in a medical malpractice and wrongful death case involving a 22-year-old college student. The verdict demonstrates the importance of retaining an attorney who understands the elements of such claims and can gather the evidence needed to demonstrate liability. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to the carelessness of a physician, it is important to understand your rights, and you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Summary of the Case
It is reported that in December 2021, the decedent, a 22-year-old college student, died unexpectedly while visiting his mother’s home during a holiday break. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be blood clots. Weeks prior to his death, the decedent had informed the defendant, his hematologist, that he was running low on his prescribed anticoagulant medication. Instead of renewing the prescription, the defendant reportedly instructed the decedent to complete his remaining doses and switch to a low-dose aspirin regimen. Tragically, this change allegedly contributed to the fatal blood clots.
It is alleged that the plaintiffs, the decedent’s parents, filed medical malpractice and wrongful death claims against the defendant and the medical group employing him. They alleged that the defendant’s decision to change the decedent’s medication regimen breached the applicable standard of care, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The jury found in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding $3.77 million to the decedent’s mother, $3 million to his father, and $500,000 to the decedent’s estate.
Understanding Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Claims
In Maryland, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims arise from similar principles of negligence, but they address distinct aspects of liability and damages. In medical malpractice claims, plaintiffs must establish that the defendant owed the decedent a professional duty of care and that this duty was breached. The breach must constitute a deviation from the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent professional in the same field.
The plaintiffs in this case argued that the defendant’s prescription of a low-dose aspirin regimen instead of renewing the anticoagulant medication fell below this standard. They contended that the defendant’s actions disregarded the decedent’s medical history, including a prior pulmonary embolism, and created a heightened risk of fatal blood clots.
Additionally, plaintiffs must demonstrate causation by showing that the breach directly caused the harm. The plaintiffs argued that the defendant’s deviation from the standard of care was the proximate cause of the decedent’s fatal blood clots.
Damages, which are an essential component of any medical malpractice claim, encompass the harm suffered as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence. In this instance, the harm was the decedent’s death and the profound emotional and financial toll on his surviving family members.
Wrongful death claims, which are distinct from medical malpractice claims, focus on compensating the surviving family members for their losses resulting from the decedent’s death. Plaintiffs must show that the defendant’s negligence caused the death and that the survivors suffered compensable damages.
In this case, the plaintiffs established that the defendant’s actions significantly contributed to the decedent’s death, and they were awarded damages for the emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support resulting from their loss.
Meet with a Seasoned Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to medical negligence or suspect that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys can evaluate your case, advocate for your rights, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at (410) 889-1850 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.