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What happens if a patient passes away as a result of a medical error?

The family of a patient who passes away as a result of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for damages like medical costs, funeral costs, and loss of consortium. The healthcare provider may potentially be sued for wrongful death by family members.

Medical Negligence & Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

If a person dies as a result of another’s carelessness or malfeasance, family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, and loss of emotional support may all be covered as part of the compensation granted to the family members.

In some circumstances, if the death was brought on by extreme negligence, the family members can also be eligible for punitive damages.

Medical Negligence Case Henrietta Lacks

African American woman Henrietta Lacks passed away from cervical cancer in 1951. Without her knowledge or agreement, malignant cells from her cervix were removed during her treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Since they were the first human cells to be successfully cultivated in a lab, these cells, sometimes called the HeLa cell line, have been widely employed in medical research.

Yet, the unauthorized use of Lacks’ cells generated significant ethical issues regarding using human tissue in scientific investigations. Lacks’ family was not paid for using her cells and was not notified of their use until many years afterward. The situation brought to light the necessity of appropriate recompense and informed consent for using human tissue in medical research.

The HeLa cell line has been employed in various studies, from vaccine development to the investigation of cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses. Worldwide research has made use of the cells, which have been multiplied billions of times. The debate concerning their application, though, has never been entirely settled.

Our Team

At Advox Law LLC, we have developed a keen focus on medical, family, criminal and immigration law. 

shankar renganathan medical negligence and immigration lawyer

Shankar Renganathan

Director

sharanjit kaur family lawyer

Sharanjit Kaur

Director

eric criminal lawyer

Eric Liew

Associate Director

wendy wang foreign desk

Wendy Wang

Foreign Desks

Get The Legal Help You Need

Most people find the challenge of navigating through the legal processes, very daunting. At Advox Law LLC, we strive to make things easier for you. Reach out to us and get the legal assistance you need.