A Jury Awards Man $412 Million in Medical Malpractice Case
A New Mexico jury has awarded a man over $412 million in a medical malpractice case against a men's health clinic operating in several states. The man's attorneys celebrated the verdict, hoping it will prevent similar incidents involving fraudulent practices and harmful penile injections. They believe this is the largest punitive and compensatory damage award ever granted by a jury in a medical malpractice case in the U.S.
"Licensed professionals should not defraud patients for money. It's a breach of their fiduciary duty and trust," said Lori Bencoe, one of the plaintiff's lawyers. "Anyone in a white coat shouldn't be allowed to do that."
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that the clinic misdiagnosed the man and subjected him to unnecessary "invasive erectile dysfunction shots" in 2017, causing irreversible damage. The clinic is accused of manipulating and using fear tactics to convince men to undergo these treatments.
The plaintiff's attorneys described the clinic's actions as a "fraudulent scheme to make millions off of conning old men." They claimed clinic workers told patients they would suffer irreversible damage if they didn't agree to injections three times a week.
NuMale Medical Center, the defendant, disagreed with the verdict and intends to appeal. They maintain their focus on responsible patient care and strict safety standards at all their facilities. The company operates clinics in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
The jury found the defendants' conduct fraudulent, negligent, and unconscionable, violating the Unfair Practices Act. The plaintiff's attorneys believe this verdict sends a strong message that medical providers prioritizing profits over patient well-being will be held accountable.