Mistakes in radiation therapy could cause serious injuries and death to unsuspecting patients. Sloppy mistakes made by healthcare providers, equipment malfunctions, and other factors can result in fatalities. Multiple patients across the country have felt the harsh effects of radiotherapy mistakes.
According to reports, two patients in New York died after being exposed to too much radiation. The first instance involved a man who was being treated for tongue cancer in a New York City hospital. Scott Jerome-Parks died at the age of 43 after receiving too much radiation. According to reports, healthcare providers failed to detect a computer malfunction that directed a linear accelerator to send radiation beams straight to his brain stem and neck. The mistake went on for three consecutive days. The results were fatal.
In an effort to prevent another accident from occurring, state health officials warned hospitals of the incident, cautioning them to take extra care when using radiation machines. Despite the officials’ efforts, a similar mistake was made at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn only a short while later. The incidence involved a patient who was being treated for breast cancer.
Alexandra Jn-Charles, 32, received three times the amount of radiation intended for her treatment because of a missing filter on the linear accelerator. The radiation overdose left Jn-Charles with a painful hole in her chest. She died later from the overdose.
(Source: The New York Times)
Medical Malpractice
Patients trust that healthcare providers will ensure they are safe when undergoing treatments such as radiation therapy. When mistakes are made, or when medical devices malfunction, the responsible parties can be held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a medical mistake, you need to know that you have rights. Gacovino, Lake & Associates has dedicated much of its practice to helping families recover compensation for injuries and losses resulting from medical malpractice.
While we may not be able to reverse the damage or bring your loved one back, we will make sure the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions, and we will work hard to recover compensation to help you move forward with your life. For more information about radiation therapy accidents or other medical mistakes, please contact our personal injury law firm today.
