Man Sues Hospital for Medical Malpractice

A St. Louis man who went to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his renal disease is now suing them for medical malpractice claiming they are responsible for his developing a rare disorder referred to as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Between 2004 and 2007, the plaintiff underwent several MRI’s at the hospital, most of which involved the use of a gadolinium-based contrast dye.  Following these imaging studies, the man began developing lesions on his skin and fibrosis of his arms, legs, feet and hands.

He was officially diagnosed with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a painful and debilitating disease that is incurable and often fatal.

The medical malpractice lawsuit alleges that the hospital was negligent in administering the contrast dye in a patient who was in renal failure, which according to the suit is the underlying cause of the plaintiff’s new condition.  It also mentions the makers of the dyes, claiming that they designed a defective product and knowingly misrepresented that product as safe when it was not.

The plaintiff is suing for actual expenses (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) as well as punitive damages for his pain and suffering.