Deposition of Doctor (Expert) in $10 Million Malpractice Case

This is the deposition of a gastroenterologist who served as an expert witness for the defense in a wrongful death medical malpractice case. The patient in this case was admitted to the hospital because of kidney problems. While at the hospital he developed very high potassium levels and was given Kayexalate, a drug that rapidly removes potassium from the body. After taking the drug, the patient developed colonic necrosis, a rare but easily avoidable side effect of Kayexalate in some patients.

Case Facts

A man presents to the University of Maryland Medical Center complaining of general weakness. He is admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. His medical history includes Hepatitis C, liver disease, stage IV renal failure, and hypertension.

He receives 6 days of dialysis to treat his renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. On the 7th day, he becomes increasingly lightheaded with a decreased heart rate (bradycardia). An EKG show a prolonged PR interval with markedly peaked T waves that was not present upon his initial admission to the hospital.

The internist correctly diagnoses the patient with hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) and immediately orders 30 mg of Kayexalate to reduce the potassium levels even though dialysis is readily available in the hospital. In fact, dialysis is ordered approximately 3 hours after Kayexalate is administered.

The patient has complaints of severe abdominal pain and numerous bloody bowel movements. That same day, an operation reveals he has severe ischemic bowel as a result of the Kayexalate. Tragically, the patient dies.

Malpractice Lawsuit

A medical malpractice lawsuit was brought in Baltimore City against the ER doctor and hospital.

Specifically, our lawsuit alleged that the doctor failed to render appropriate medical care to Mr. Allen. This breach included:

1) failing to appreciate that the drug Kayexalate should only be given as a last resort when dialysis is not readily available;

2) failing to appreciate that Kayexalate would take many hours before it would have lowered his potassium levels;

3) failing to order dialysis rather than Kayexalate when dialysis was readily available; and

4) ordering Kayexalate to treat the elevated potassium levels when dialysis was readily available.

Trial

The case went to trial and the jury awarded $10,000,000 to the patient's family.

More Information on This Malpractice Lawsuit

You can find the deposition of the defendant's emergency room doctor claimed this doctor's care was within the standard of care here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWnHjE7aLj0

The deposition of another ER nurse (who was not named as a defendant) can be seen here:
https://youtu.be/9g1V1RV8F2A

How malpractice cases work in Maryland:
https://www.millerandzois.com/maryland-medical-malpractice-lawyers.html

And the defendant physician's assistant here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZ9p8nC24U&t=139s

Видео Deposition of Doctor (Expert) in $10 Million Malpractice Case канала Miller & Zois, Attorneys at Law