HomeNews Medication Errors Ontario Medical Death Shows Impact of Malpractice on Victims’ Families

Jun 25, 2020 in News --> Medication Errors

Ontario Medical Death Shows Impact of Malpractice on Victims’ Families

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Last year, Bradford, Ontario, resident Marcia Klose received an injection of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, in preparation for a cortisone shot for chronic back pain at the Vivian Medical Spa near Mount Albert. Less than three weeks later, she was dead. Although Klose’s husband, Henry, has not hired a medical malpractice lawyer to represent the family in pursuit of compensation, the facility’s owner, Dr. Andrzej Wojcicki, was found incompetent by Ontario’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has agreed to no longer practice medicine in Ontario or elsewhere, according to reporting by YorkRegion.com.

Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Although Klose’s family has yet to file a claim against Dr. Wojcicki, the circumstances around her death suggest that malpractice may have occurred. YorkRegion.com spoke with one ‘experienced anesthesiologist’ who said that death from a lidocaine injection is rare but could occur in two ways: due to an allergic reaction causing suffocation, or due to ‘improper use of the shot, which could lead to cardiac arrest.’ Klose experienced cardiac arrest at the medical office before being rushed to Southlake hospital.

The impact of Ms. Klose’s death on her husband has been severe. “My life is ruined,” Mr. Klose told YorkRegion.com after her death. “I find it so hard to believe. I am still in the dark. I don’t know what happened.”

Every medical malpractice lawyer has heard similar sentiments from victims of medical errors and their family members. Medical errors can lead to serious, even catastrophic injuries that fundamentally disrupt a person’s – or a family’s – ability to enjoy life. While it is unclear whether Ms. Klose’s death was caused directly by medical negligence, many medical malpractice plaintiffs find comfort in the closure that malpractice claims provide.

Of course, Mr. Klose may also find comfort in the agreement reached by Dr. Wojcicki and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. It stipulates that, in exchange for terminating the investigation into his misconduct and incompetence, Dr. Wojcicki may not practice medicine in this or any jurisdiction.

“In the event that the college should become aware that I am in breach of this undertaking,” the agreement reads, “the college shall have the right to proceed with the investigations it terminated.”

If you or a member of your family has been injured in a medical setting, contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will explain the legal process and provide guidance as you embark on your road to recovery.

 

Image: Shutterstock

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