A Las Vegas jury awarded the plaintiff of a malpractice suit $500 million over a case involving the distribution of a sedative that encouraged reusing syringes. The result led to an outbreak of hepatitis C, namely in that of one previous plaintiff from the since-closed Desert Shadow Endoscopy Center was awarded $5.1 million in damages. The suit was leveled against Teva Parenteral Medicines and Baxter Healthcare to provide compensation for the outbreak of the deadly virus.

Some believe that such a suit would influence the already high cost of health care, raising the price of pharmaceuticals for the average customer. Others have argued that these companies can been required to pay such high settlement amounts in lawsuits, as the companies are so large that absorbing the loss should not be a major issue passed on to consumers.

The decision stands to the appealed by Teva and Baxter.

Outbreaks of virulent viruses due to the mistakes of another create nightmarish situations for families and patients. Especially when the cause comes from reused syringes, what seems to be helping can come to destroy. Knowing your rights can protect you and your loved ones in such dire situations. In the worst cases, knowing your rights can protect your claim to compensation and peace of mind. Contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 610-667-7511 today.