Psychiatrist accused of killing 36 patients arrested

The loss of a loved one for Houston families is a sad event. When the loss is unexpected and caused by another person’s negligence the family can be even more upset. Medical malpractice that causes the wrongful death of a patient is a rare and tragic event that affects many families.
A Georgia psychiatrist has been arrested after being accused of killing 36 of his patients. 12 of those patients died after overdosing on prescription medication according to their autopsies. DEA agents raided the doctor’s office and his home this past Thursday. He was arrested for overprescribing medication including opiates and benzodiazepine. Many of these medications that he prescribed were prescription painkillers which would be outside of his psychiatry profession.
Prescription pain medication overdoses have become a common occurrence across the country, Houston included. Doctors need to know how dangerous prescription painkillers can be for their patients and need to be incredibly careful about their prescribing process. An unexpected loss due to a trusted medical provider’s negligence may be a reason to hold the doctor responsible. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, funeral expenses and other damages.
Families who have been affected by a medical mistake may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can review medical records and consult with medical experts to get the answers that families deserve. No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to negligence. It is important to hold those medical professionals accountable so that they don’t harm anyone else.
Source: cleveland19.com, “Psychiatrist arrested after 36 of his patients die”, Adam Harding, Jan. 14, 2016