It reads like something out of a Hollywood horror movie plot. A woman is rushed to the emergency room after overdosing on numerous medications. While in the care of medical professionals, several medical errors occur which invariably lead to the woman, who is still very much alive, lying on a hospital table. Doctors hover over the woman, scalpel in hand ready to harvest the organs of the woman who they believe to be dead.

Unfortunately, this scenario was not a movie script, but rather an actual incident that occurred at a reputable U.S. hospital during 2009. The result of numerous medical mistakes by both nurses and doctors, the near harvesting of organs from a live human was only prevented when the woman opened her eyes prior to the start of the procedure.

Sadly, this egregious medical error did not receive the attention it warranted as the victim, who was severely depressed, committed suicide in 2011. In fact, the incident would have likely gone unreported had officials from the state's health department not stepped in.

As a result of an investigation into the mistakes that lead to this medical error, the hospital was fined $6,000. Had the circumstances surrounding this incident been different and the victim still alive, it's likely the case would have garnered more attention and resulted in a lawsuit.

Every day throughout U.S. hospitals and medical facilities, doctors and nurses make mistakes. These medical errors often result in patients suffering harm and injury. Ohio residents who have been the victim of a medical mistake may choose to take legal action. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be an appropriate means to helping injured patients recover compensation related to their injuries and pain and suffering.

Source: CBS News, "Hospital errors lead to 'dead' patient opening eyes during organ harvesting," Michelle Castillo, July 9, 2013