A male patient suffering from debilitating myasthenia gravis was prescribed a medication commonly used to treat the disorder. While effective, this medication is known to carry risks of severe side effects, including potential liver damage. As part of the treatment protocol, the prescribing physician was responsible for regularly monitoring the patient’s liver enzymes and related biomarkers, particularly when adjusting the dosage.
Tragically, the patient’s liver enzymes began to show signs of severe and acute liver damage, but the prescribing physician failed to review the lab results and, even more critically, increased the medication dosage. By the time the issue was identified due to the patient’s severe illness, it was too late, and the patient passed away from liver failure caused by the medication’s side effects.
After being contacted by the patient’s widow, our firm conducted a thorough investigation into the cause of death. With the support of medical experts, we confirmed that the new medication was the primary factor. We successfully secured the maximum allowable settlement under West Virginia law for this type of case.
Type of Medical Malpractice: Failure to Monitor Liver Enzymes Leading to Fatal Liver Failure
Standard of Care Issues:
- Regular and thorough monitoring of liver enzymes when prescribing high-risk medications
- Prompt response to lab results indicating potential organ damage
- Proper dosage adjustments based on patient health and lab findings