A Los Angeles anesthesiologist was recently charged with the death of a patient from overdose and arrested by the Beverly Hills police. Apparently, a 71-year-old patient was administered sedation medication before surgery and he has also injected a lethal dose of Demerol in the recovery room, which caused his death after going into cardiac arrest.
Dr. Stephen Kyosung Kim, 53, administered the lethal dose to his patient Dr. Mark Greenspan. Dr. Kim was working at Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery Center, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. He had also injected himself with an unknown drug before giving the patient the lethal overdose of Demerol. Being under the influence during surgery is not safe. Kim’s actions are considered ridiculous by professionals involved in physician discipline throughout California.
Kim can face up to 25 years to life in prison. So far, he pleaded not guilty and the next hearing is on Jan 25. The victim, Dr. Mark Greenspan, had been working 38 years throughout Southern California clinics. News reporters recently spoke to his sister over the phone and she seems deeply affected by the deep loss. But she is hopeful justice will prevail. Hiring a California medical malpractice attorney is the best approach to dealing with these types of cases.
Medical Malpractice in California
Many doctors in Southern California have face malpractice lawsuits and lost their medical licenses yet it is not common to make them responsible for their patient’s death unless there was a genuine medical error. Back in 2015, a doctor in L.A. doctor was also convicted of murder linked to patient overdose.
Malpractice Laws
Many patients are not familiar with medical malpractice lawsuits in California. If you are a victim of malpractice in California, there are some elements of a lawsuit to consider. The injured party must file the lawsuit within three years from the date the accident or injury occurred. However, most cases require the claimant to bring an action one year from the date of medical treatment. The defendant must be notified 90 days after the lawsuit was filed.
Expert testimony is essential in most medical malpractice cases. This is the best approach to filing a lawsuit against a medical provider. Sometimes facts associated with the medical error are too complex to navigate on your own. This is why you must hire a California medical malpractice attorney soon after you suspect you or a loved one has been exposed to medical negligence.
Getting Help
Medical malpractice cases often require expert legal advice and an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. It is difficult to prove that the medical professional made a mistake unless you are able to gather clear and convincing evidence.
If you have been injured by a medical error, call us today and schedule your initial case assessment with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. We have many years of experience helping clients in California and nearby cities find the legal comfort they need.