$2.28 Million Jury Verdict for Overuse of Contrast Dye

Robert Firkins was 67 and suffered from chronic renal disease and cardiac issues. Before having orthopedic surgery, he underwent an angiogram done by an interventional cardiologist, the defendant, Dr. Scott Harris. Dr. Harris, who had been instructed by Firkins’ treating nephrologist to use a minimum amount of contrast dye, used 160 milliliters of dye during the angiogram, which lasted 94 minutes.

After the procedure, Firkins developed atheroemboli, resulting in ischemia in his right lower leg, significantly increased creatinine levels and worsening kidney disease that now has necessitated dialysis three times each week. In addition, Firkins required a below-the-knee amputation a month after the angiogram.

Firkins and his wife sued Dr. Harris, claiming that he used an excessive amount of contrast dye and negligently performed the angiogram. The Firkins family claimed that the defendant doctor should have kept the dye under 100 milliliters and finish the procedure within 35 minutes. The lawsuit did not claim lost income.

The jury’s verdict of $2.28 million included $250,000 to Firkin’s wife. According to the report of this case, post-trial motions are pending.

The attorney representing the Firkins family was Martin H. Kinney Jr.

At trial, the Firkins family engaged opinion testimony from experts in vascular surgery and cardiology while the defendant Dr. Harris utilized experts in cardiology.

Firkins v. Harris, No. 13-C1-00036 (Ky. Ct. Warren County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling medical malpractice lawsuits, cardiology negligence cases, hospital negligence cases and nursing home abuse cases for individuals and families who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Lemont, LaGrange Park, Homewood, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Gurnee, East Hazel Crest, Dixmoor, Cicero, Calumet City, Bridgeview, Blue Island, Berkeley, Bensenville, Bedford Park, Posen, Westchester, Western Springs, Hinsdale, St. Charles, Aurora, Joliet, Waukegan, Zion, Schaumburg, Schiller Park, River Grove, Winnetka, Wilmette, Orland Hills, Franklin Park, Chicago (Sauganash, Printer’s Row, West Loop, Grand Boulevard, Greek Town, Jackson Park, Highland, Bucktown, Little Italy, Lithuanian Plaza, Lincoln Square, New Town, Prairie District, Pulaski Park), Glencoe, Skokie, Maywood, Rolling Meadows and Lisle, Ill.