Last week we wrote about medical malpractice lawsuits that had been filed by multiple individuals against Exeter Hospital and several other defendants after they were infected with Hepatitis C while patients at the hospital. The infected acquired the disease when a former radiologic technician used needles to divert certain drugs for his personal use. This week we provide an update on one of the lawsuits filed in the matter.

One of the Exeter Hospital medical malpractice lawsuits recently settled with several of the defendants named in the case, including Exeter Hospital. While we know that the injured patient in this case sought special damages, between $802,000 and $1,296,000, the details of the settlement are unknown as they are confidential.

When a medical malpractice lawsuit is filed against a hospital and others as a result of injuries suffered due to negligent care, such as issues with the disbursement of drugs, there are two ways in which an injured party could be successful with his of her claim. The first is as a result of a trial, complete with the introduction of evidence and testimony from a variety of individuals, including experts. In other instances, such as this one, as the case is preparing to go to trial, but before the case reaches the trial stage, an agreement between parties is reached.

Neither of these outcomes is necessarily an easy one to reach. These types of cases can be complex and intense for all involved. Accordingly, many find that it is important to work with a lawyer who has handled these types of cases in the past.

Source: Sea Coast Online, "One hep C lawsuit settled, terms confidential," Aaron Sanborn, Feb. 26, 2013