CHICAGO — A jury has awarded $20.5 million to the family of an 11-year-old girl who died from morphine toxicity following treatment at a suburban cancer center in 2020.
Ava Wilson, who was in remission from leukemia, visited Advocate Children’s Hospital in October 2020. During her appointment, she was assessed by a nurse practitioner who observed that she was in pain and had trouble walking. Ava’s blood pressure was consistently low throughout her time at the clinic.
Despite these alarming signs, the nurse practitioner prescribed her a significant increase in morphine dosage to 15 mg every four hours, compared to her previous prescriptions of 5 mg. The family’s attorneys highlighted this decision as a critical misstep.
Tragically, on October 31, 2020, just a day and a half after leaving the clinic, Ava passed away in her sleep. Her death was attributed to dangerously high levels of morphine, hydroxyzine, and gabapentin in her system.
Matthew L. Williams, lead counsel for the family, criticized the medical team for their choices. He stated that instead of readmitting her to the hospital for closer monitoring, the staff sent Ava home with excessive medication despite clear indications that she needed immediate help. Williams expressed regret, stating, “Ava’s body was pleading for assistance, but it went unheeded.”
The defense countered by arguing that Ava’s death was unforeseen and that the prescribed medication fell within an acceptable range. However, during the trial, a distinguished neuropathologist testified that the medications led directly to her death.
After six days of deliberation, a jury in Cook County delivered its verdict on Tuesday, finding in favor of Ava’s family. Her attorney, Aaron D. Boeder, stated the family felt some solace in the jury’s recognition that Ava’s death could have been prevented, conveying the grief that still lingers in her absence.
The outcome of this trial brings attention to the importance of careful monitoring and assessment in pediatric pain management, particularly in cases involving vulnerable patients like Ava.
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