Many cases of medical malpractice are quickly covered up so nether the public or the victim’s family ever gets to the truth behind the untimely death or serious injury of a relative. This time though, the family of Perley Mae Covington insisted that the truth behind their relative’s death should be revealed.
After many months they finally got a report of the autopsy in writing which revealed that their relative lost her life due to a medication mistake. The cause of death was acute lidocaine toxicity. On this occasion lidocaine, a brand of local anesthetic, was incorrectly administered intravenously to her and as a result she encountered a seizure.
The family left Perley Mae Covington in what they thought were the safe hands of the ER at Kings County Hospital, which is administered by New York City’s Hospitals and Health Corporation. They went home to gather some items to bring back to the hospital and within minutes received a call from the hospital saying that their relative was administered with the wrong medication and was just about to die. There was little that the victim’s relatives could do.
Medical malpractice, prescription errors and drug adverse effects commonly take place in New York City hospitals and experienced medical malpractice lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have won many successful claims for compensation for both victims and families of victims of these unacceptable incidents. When anyone attends a hospital for either routine medical treatment or as a result of an accident, the expectation is that the treatment given will improve health outcomes and not worsen them. One would least expect to lose one’s life unexpectedly in one of these health care institutions.
If you, or a family member, has been injured or lost their right to live due to the practice of a medical practitioner or facility, then you have the right to claim compensation from the person who caused the injury or death. In the case of Mae Covington the close family has the right to file a wrongful death claim against the hospital who caused the death. This is the legal right of any close family member who has suffered a loss as a result of the death. This could include pain and suffering and loss of companionship.
The experienced team of attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP has handled many claims of medical malpractice, including minor and serious injuries, as well as cases of wrongful death. If you think that you or a family member has suffered injury or has lost his or her life as a result of medical malpractice, then you shouldn’t delay contacting a lawyer, as a statute of limitation applies in the State of New York. If the claim is not made within this time limitation, then the chance of filing a claim for compensation will be lost.
Often, hospitals fail to come up with the necessary medical and autopsy reports so victims do not follow through any compensation claims. This is where contacting a medical malpractice lawyer is essential so that justice can be done and it not only benefits you the victim and your family but is a warning to the hospital concerned that vigilance and care is essential when providing medical care.
If you feel that you have suffered from medical malpractice or negligence from a health professional or facility, contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP at 2001 Marcus Avenue, Suite W295, Lake Success, NY 11042 toll free on 516-358-6900 for effective and professional legal representation.