Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Accuse Doctor of Overmedicating Nursing Home Patients
Even though Illinois officials shut down Chicago nursing home Maxwell Manor for nursing home negligence in 2000, its lead psychiatrist continues to be the target of complaints and Chicago injury lawsuits accusing him of medical negligence, including overmedicating patients. Dr. Michael Reinstein continues to provide psychiatric care in assisted living homes and mental health facilities throughout the Chicago area.
According to Maxwell Manner staffers, patients treated by Reinstein experienced hallucinations, trembling, or suffered loss of bladder control. Complaints have also been filed accusing 66-year-old psychiatrist accusing of being particularly reliant on clozapine to treat patients. The psychotropic drug comes with 5 black box warnings and has been linked to at least three patients that died under his care.
One of his patients, 50-year-old Alvin Essary, died at a Chicago nursing home in 1999. Records indicate he had five times the toxic level of clozapine in his system when he died. Essary’s family sued Reinstein for Chicago medical malpractice. They settled their Illinois wrongful death lawsuit for $85,000.
Another nursing home patient, Odell Spruell, died after Reinstein doubled his clozapine dose. Prior to his death, the 54-year-old man exhibited symptoms linked to overmedication. Autopsy results indicate he died from clozapine intoxication. Spruell’s family is also suing.
A third patient, 27-year-old Wendy Cureton, also died in 2003 from clozapine intoxication. Her family is suing Reinstein for Chicago medical malpractice.
Just two weeks ago, our Chicago nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers posted an Illinois nursing home negligence blog about the Chicago Tribune's findings that in the last eight years, about 2,900 nursing home residents in the state have experienced violations related to psychotropic drugs.
Doctors must exercise caution when prescribing powerful drugs with potentially dangerous side effects. Overmedicating a patient can be grounds for an Illinois medical malpractice complaint.
An assisted living facility patient who is the victim of medical malpractice while staying at the nursing home may be able to sue for Chicago nursing home neglect.
Doctor gives risky drugs at high rate, Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2009
Nursing home doctor's prescription record questioned, Chicago Breaking News, November 9, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Clozapine, Drugs.com
