Kidney Damage

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CASE: Kidney Damage

FACTS: This case concerns the primary care provided to the plaintiff from age 55 to age 61 by his internist. Included in the medical care provided by the defendant was the management and monitoring of suspected Crohn’s Disease, which is an ulcer-producing disease of the gastrointestinal tract that often causes cramping and diarrhea.

The defendant internist handled the management of the plaintiff’s Crohn’s Disease for approximately six (6) years, including prescribing the medication Asacol for its treatment. Despite published warnings that Asacol can cause kidney damage, and despite the recommendations of Asacol’s manufacturer, the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) and medical literature that patients taking Asacol should be periodically monitored for renal function, the plaintiff went that entire period of time without a single Creatinine or BUN measurement (blood chemistries which are the best indicators of kidneys function) being taken. As a result, he continued taking Asacol, developed severe kidney damage and will likely reach end-stage kidney disease within the next five (5) to ten (10) years.

DEFENSE: The defendant alleged that there is no clear standard of care for monitoring patients on Asacol and the plaintiff’s kidney damages may have been caused by mild hypertension or other medications he had taken.

INJURIES: The plaintiff suffered drug induced chronic interstitial nephritis and severe kidney damage. The plaintiff will likely require a kidney transplant within the next five (5) to ten (10) years.

SPECIAL DAMAGES: Medical bills: $14,110.15; Estimated Life Care Plan: $700,071.00

SETTLEMENT: The parties agreed to settle for a confidential amount.

PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL: Randolph J. Reis, Esquire (Reis Law, PLLC)

NAMES/COUNTY: Anonymous v. Anonymous