Last month, a jury in Massachusetts rendered a guilty verdict in a case brought against a pharmacist who had run a pharmacy that was tied to hundreds of cases of meningitis in 20 states. According to a national news source covering the case, the pharmacist was acquitted of murder charges but was convicted on several counts of “racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.”
Evidently, the pharmacist ran a compounding pharmacy that would create custom-made medications. However, inspections conducted during the investigation revealed that the equipment used to create the medication was not sterilized, and ingredients used in the process had expired. In addition, prosecutors alleged that the pharmacist, as well as several of his employees, actively lied about the condition of the lab.
The medication created in the lab was shipped to 20 states and was tied to 700 cases of meningitis. It is believed that 64 people died due to the unsafe medication that was created in the lab, which was the deadliest meningitis outbreak in U.S. history.
Pharmacist Liability in Medication Error Cases
Anyone who has been injured due to a pharmacist’s negligence or intentional misconduct may be entitled to monetary compensation. The case discussed above was based on criminal charges brought by a prosecutor’s office. While the purpose of a criminal trial is in part to afford the victims of a defendant’s misconduct emotional relief, it does little to provide financial compensation for the injuries they sustained. Criminal cases normally result in fines, probation, or jail time, but they rarely offer the victims of the defendant’s conduct financial compensation.
In order for victims of a medical error to receive financial compensation for their injuries, they must file a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits are brought in a civil court and may provide compensation for the injuries caused by a defendant’s negligence or intentional conduct. Pharmacists, as well as other medical professionals, owe a duty of care to their patients. When a medical professional fails to live up to this duty, they may be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result. However, often medical experts are required to prove these cases. Therefore, it is advised that anyone considering a personal injury claim should consult with an experienced attorney prior to filing the claim.
Have You Been a Victim of a Medication Error?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a pharmacist’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen represent clients across the country in all types of personal injury cases, including those arising from pharmacy errors. Call 410-654-3600 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated personal injury advocate. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Pharmacists May Admit Responsibility for Error but Still Deny Legal Liability in the Face of Pending Litigation, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, March 6, 2017.
Woman Files Federal Lawsuit Against National Pharmacy Chain Following Serious Prescription Error, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, March 27, 2017.