A teenage boy sustained a head injury in an automobile accident. The surgery was a success and he was recovering miraculously. He was self-sufficient, talkative, and preparing for discharge from his therapy at the physical rehabilitation hospital. He was prescribed the medication Dilantin to prevent seizures. The medical providers failed to appreciate that they had prescribed too much of this medication and failed to monitor the Dilantin levels through simple blood tests. The patient became toxic from the Dilantin, grew dizzy, and fell in his hospital room landing directly on the site of his previous head injury.
The patient is in a persistent and permanent vegetative state and is currently being cared for by his parents.
Outcome:
A settlement was reached with all defendants. The terms of the settlement are protected by a confidentiality agreement.
