$2.5 Million Verdict for Client Injured by Side Effect of Medication Unrecognized by Primary Care Physician

Kenneth Rothweiler, Daniel Jeck, and Brian Hall recovered 2.5 million dollars for a Philadelphia man who sustained devastating injuries while taking the statin medication, Mevacor. After taking the drug for three years, he returned to his primary care doctor complaining of joint pain and trouble walking. The doctor ordered blood tests which showed, among other things, abnormally elevated enzymes indicative of muscle damage but no follow up was ordered. The defendant physician left for vacation and neglected to have anyone from his office follow up on the abnormal lab results.

Three weeks after his doctor’s visit, the patient entered a local hospital complaining of general weakness, inability to stand, severe pain and numbness. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and immediately taken off the Mevacor. Most unfortunately, his symptoms did not improve. He now has permanent muscle weakness and is confined to a wheelchair.

At trial, Rothweiler, Jeck and Hall were able to prove that their client’s primary doctor was negligent for failing to address these abnormal lab results. These test results should have pointed to an adverse reaction from the medication. Had appropriate follow up and treatment occurred after the statin reaction was recognized, the man would be able to walk without assistance today.