Philadelphia Medication Error Wrongful Death
A tragic wrongful death lawsuit in Philadelphia sheds light on the dangers of medical malpractice, particularly medication errors caused by inaccurate patient information. In a recently filed case, a 120-pound woman was mistakenly recorded as 275 pounds, resulting in a fatal overdose of the anticoagulant medication Lovenox. This error, allegedly caused by multiple healthcare providers at St. Mary Medical Center, led to her neurological deterioration and eventual death. The lawsuit, filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, names Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, Trinity Health Corp., St. Mary Medical Center, and several doctors as defendants.
Case Details: How a Medical Error Led to Wrongful Death
The Incident
- The patient, Cynthia Orihel, sought emergency care at St. Mary Medical Center after suffering a fall at home that caused a right-sided frontal acute subdural hematoma (brain bleed).
- A CT scan confirmed the hematoma, and she was initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- As part of standard deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention, doctors prescribed Lovenox, a common anticoagulant medication.
The Fatal Medical Error
- One of the treating doctors mistakenly recorded her weight as 275 pounds, 155 pounds heavier than her actual weight of 120 pounds.
- A second doctor, during a cardiology consult, repeated the incorrect weight in medical records.
- As a result of this miscalculation, Orihel was administered 60 mg of Lovenox every 12 hours, a dosage appropriate for a much heavier person but dangerously high for her actual weight.
- Her condition worsened, and the subdural hematoma increased in size, leading to her rapid neurological deterioration.
- She was transferred back to the ICU, where she was later pronounced dead.
The Shocking Aftermath
- Just 15 minutes after saying goodbye to his wife, Paul Orihel received a call from St. Mary Medical Center, informing him that his wife had been “significantly” overdosed on Lovenox.
- A follow-up letter from the hospital confirmed the overdose, stating that it had caused the hematoma to expand, leading to Cynthia’s death.
Legal Claims in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges:
- Medical negligence – The hospital and doctors failed to record and verify accurate patient information, leading to fatal medication errors.
- Wrongful death – The overdose directly resulted in Cynthia’s death, as confirmed by the hospital.
- Survival action – Seeking compensation for the pain and suffering Cynthia endured before her death.
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for the loss of companionship suffered by her husband.
- Compensatory damages, interest, and legal costs – The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.
The defense counsel has not yet entered an appearance, and a judge has not yet been assigned to the case.
Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death in Pennsylvania
This case highlights the serious risks of medical negligence and the legal options available for families who lose a loved one due to a hospital’s mistakes. Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. C.S. § 8301), wrongful death lawsuits can be filed when a person dies due to medical malpractice, negligence, or wrongful actions by healthcare providers.
Key Pennsylvania Laws on Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death
- Who Can File? – A wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate (often a spouse or family member).
- Time Limits – Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits.
- Types of Compensation – Families can seek medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional damages.
How The Villari Law Firm, PLLC Can Help
If you have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice or hospital negligence in Philadelphia, The Villari Law Firm, PLLC is ready to fight for justice. We understand the devastating impact of wrongful death and are committed to holding hospitals, doctors, and negligent medical professionals accountable.
- Thorough investigation of medical records to uncover negligence
- Collaboration with medical experts to prove malpractice
- Aggressive representation against hospitals and insurance companies
- Seeking maximum compensation for grieving families
This tragic case is a reminder of the critical role accuracy plays in medical care. If you believe your loved one suffered due to a hospital’s mistake, contact The Villari Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for justice and compensation for your loss.
