Mistakes can happen at hospitals for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reason for them, hospital errors can lead to injuries and death for patients. Illinois residents who have suffered from any type of medical error may be interested in the story of an out-of-state woman who recently died after being given the wrong medication.
The now-deceased woman had undergone brain surgery and went to the emergency room for treatment following that surgery. The emergency room doctor ordered an anti-seizure drug to be administered intravenously. However, a pharmacy employee put the wrong medication, a paralyzing agent, in the woman’s IV bag.
Because the label was printed by the system, into which the drug had been entered correctly, the label on the bag stated that it was for the correct medication. This left the hospital staff unaware that it was the wrong drug. The mistake caused the woman to enter into cardiopulmonary arrest, and, just days later, she died after being taken off life support.
It is likely that the woman would not have died had the hospital error not occurred. Due to the error, her family members are now dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one. Like those living in Illinois who are suffering after hospital errors, they have the right to file a medical malpractice claim against the hospital for the error that they believe caused the death of their loved one. If their claim is successful, they could be awarded damages for their loss. While no amount of money can ease the family’s pain, it can sometimes ease the transition into life after an unexpected loss.
Source: ktvz.com, “Wrong drug put in IV bag led to fatal Bend hospital error”, Wanda Moore, Dec. 8, 2014