Improper use of steroids results in $1 million settlement

January, 2003

As a result of repeated bouts of diarrhea, which had not been responsive to a number of medications, a young man was imprudently prescribed high doses of steroids by a gastroenterologist. Several months later, the patient developed bilateral avascular necrosis (a non-infectious destruction of bone) in his hip joints, a recognized complication of long-term steroid use. The patient lost his job while receiving extended medical treatment, which included two total hip replacements.

A claim was brought on behalf of the patient by Feldman Shepherd attorney Carol Nelson Shepherd. Following multiple depositions, extensive medical research by Feldman Shepherd lawyers and staff and supporting reports obtained from prominent expert witnesses, the case settled on a confidential basis for $1 million.