A family practice physician provided pain medication inappropriately to numerous patients causing serious harm and death. In this recent case, the doctor’s neglect rose to the level of criminal conduct and he was charged for the murder of a patient who died from his reckless prescription of pain killers. According to another patient who testified in court, the doctor had also provided her with hundreds of prescriptions for pain killers on a weekly basis; including filling out prescriptions under her husband’s name, who was not a patient and had never been examined by this doctor. Ultimately, this patient became dependent and addicted to the narcotic medication – requiring numerous detoxification programs.
Tragically, we have learned that this doctor has also been charged with the deaths of three other patients; and, charged with multiple felony counts for criminally prescribing drugs to people without any demonstrated need. In defense, as expected, patients have been accused of misrepresenting their condition and symptoms. Of course, we have found that many physician allegations lack actual proof of patient misconduct.
It is unfortunate but not uncommon to see doctors violate the trust of their patients. Obviously, the State of Florida and licensing authorities should work to better regulate the practice of medicine in an effort to reduce needless patient injury, harm and death. Certainly, this most recent case reminds us of the need for individuals and families to properly monitor their own health care. Everyone should realize that doctors can make mistakes, that doctors are in the business of medicine to make a profit and that some doctors choose to operate in a careless and reckless fashion. While there are countless caring doctors, this case highlights those helpless individuals who pay the ultimate price as a result of the negligence and carelessness of a primary care doctor.
As Orlando Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we have been involved in many wrongful death cases and continue to try to raise awareness of the flaws in our health care system and theneed for patients to carefully choose their doctors.
