Family Receives $7.5M after Hospital Administers Lethal Amounts of Radiation

An Illinois woman suffering from cancer was given an unfathomable 50% more radiation than prescribed on 17 different occasions which eventually led to her death. Her family sued the hospital for medical malpractice and wrongful death and received $7.5 million – the largest settlement of its kind in Cook County history.

Illinois Wrongful Death Lawsuits

This Illinois wrongful death lawsuit involves a 60 year old woman who was battling cancer. According to news reports, Patricia Quirk’s doctor recommended radiation therapy to combat endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining). She received the radiation at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago in 2003. However, healthcare professionals at the hospital ended up administering 50% more radiation than was prescribed on 17 different occasions over a year’s time – which resulted in perforating Quirk’s bowel, infection and eventually her death in May of 2004.

Her family, a husband of nearly 40 years and their two children, hired a Cook County Illinois wrongful death lawyer and filed a lawsuit against the hospital, Quirk’s radiologist, Dr. Vera Petras and his radiology group for their medical negligence. The parties settled the matter for $7.5 million just as the case was about to go to trial. It is the largest settlement to date for an over-radiation wrongful death lawsuit in Cook County, Illinois.

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Illinois Wrongful Death Damages

While the damages in a wrongful death lawsuit depend upon the facts and circumstances of the situation and the state in which the lawsuit is filed, it is possible to receive:

• Damages for mental anguish or pain and suffering of the survivors
• Loss of benefits such as pension plans and medical coverage
• Loss of care, protection, nurturing and companionship of the survivors
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of the victim’s expected earnings between the time of the death and the expected retirement or death
• Medical and funeral expenses connected to the death
• Punitive Damages

An experienced wrongful death attorney in your state will be able to evaluate your situation to determine the types of damages for which you may be entitled, explain the process and let you know the time period in which you must file a lawsuit (known as the statute of limitations) in order to be compensated for your loss.

The foregoing article has been prepared by an attorney who is a regular contributor to FreeAdvice, and is now undergoing review by the site’s editorial staff.

Case Studies: Hospital Administering Lethal Amounts of Radiation

Case Study 1: Company Negligence Leads to Severe Workplace Injury

John Turner, an employee at One Manufacturing Co., suffered a severe workplace injury due to the company’s negligence in maintaining a safe working environment. While operating heavy machinery, a crucial safety guard malfunctioned, causing John to sustain life-altering injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries and faced significant medical expenses, loss of income, and a diminished quality of life.

Seeking justice, John filed a personal injury lawsuit against One Manufacturing Co., alleging negligence and failure to provide a safe workplace. After a lengthy legal battle, the court ruled in John’s favor, awarding him substantial compensation for his injuries and associated damages.

Case Study 2: Defective Product Causes Harm to Consumers

Mary Thompson purchased a new household appliance, a brand-new electric kettle from a reputable manufacturer, Two Appliances. Unbeknownst to her, the kettle had a manufacturing defect that caused it to overheat and explode when in use. As a result, Mary suffered severe burns and property damage in her kitchen.

Seeking recourse, she filed a product liability lawsuit against Two Appliances, claiming that the company had sold a dangerously defective product. Through expert testimony and evidence, it was established that the manufacturer was aware of the defect but failed to issue a recall or adequately warn consumers. The court ruled in favor of Mary, awarding her compensatory damages for her injuries and the loss of her property.

Case Study 3: Medical Error Leads to Serious Consequences

Sarah Davis underwent a routine surgical procedure at a renowned hospital. However, due to a medical error during the surgery, an instrument was left inside her body, causing infection and severe complications. Sarah had to undergo additional surgeries and endured prolonged physical and emotional suffering. Recognizing the hospital’s negligence, Sarah pursued a medical malpractice lawsuit against the surgical team and the hospital.