The plaintiff went to the defendant Pain Center for treatment of chronic back pain. She was evaluated by the defendant doctor, a pain management specialist, who prescribed a pain injection to reduce her pain. The injection was provided to defendant, an advanced practice registered nurse. During the administration of the injection the plaintiff’s lung collapsed. She was transported to a hospital where her other lung collapsed later that day.

The plaintiff claimed that she thought she was dying and claimed that this resulted in a long-term psychological disorder. The plaintiff claimed that the injection had been misplaced, causing the lung collapses.

The defendants argued that the plaintiff’s care was proper and that the psychiatric disorders were unrelated to the injection and lung collapse.

According to a Reporter a $1,175,000 verdict against the doctor was returned. A $325,000 settlement was reached with advance practice registered nurse.

With permission from Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts; Lewis Laska, Editor, 901 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203-3411, 1-800-298-6288.