A successful Maryland medical malpractice lawsuit can help families recover compensation for the loss of a loved one. In one such recent case, a Maryland jury awarded a total of ten millions dollars to the family members of a patient who had died after receiving medical treatment from the defendants. Although the non-economic damages were reduced pursuant to Maryland law, the victim’s wife and his seven children succeeded on their medical malpractice wrongful death action. The doctor and hospital defendants filed an appeal, which was considered by the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland in an opinion issued August 30, 2018.
In 2013, the victim in the case was taken to the hospital by ambulance, complaining of weakness in his arms and legs. Blood tests revealed that he was suffering from acute rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle fibers break down, releasing muscle proteins in the bloodstream. During his hospital admittance, the victim experienced an elevated level of potassium in the blood, which his doctor identified as hyperkalemia. The doctor ordered the hospital staff to administer several different medications to manage the issue. Overnight, the victim began experiencing extreme abdominal pain and a drop in blood pressure. He was transferred to the intensive care unit and later underwent extensive surgery, from which he never regained consciousness.
The victim’s family members filed suit against the doctor and the hospital, alleging medical malpractice and wrongful death. Specifically, the plaintiffs argued that the doctor negligently administered a particular medication that damaged the victim’s intestines, ultimately causing his death. After a trial, the jury found in favor of the plaintiffs.