Dennis and Kimberly Quaid Settle Lawsuit With Hospital

Flynet

Dennis and Kimberly Quaid have resolved a lawsuit over the accidental overdose of their then-newborn twins Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace, 13 months. According to paperwork filed Monday with the Los Angeles Superior Court, following "extensive negotiations" the couple settled with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for $750,000 in order "to avoid the time, expense and uncertainty of litigation." The settlement — which contains no admission of wrongdoing by the hospital — covers only those damages sustained by Dennis and Kimberly, and does not include damages sustained by the twins.

Thomas and Zoe nearly died in 2007 when, at 10-days-old, they were administered 1,000 times the recommended dosage of the blood-thinning drug Heparin; The twins had been admitted for treatment of routine staph infections at the site of their umbilical cords.

In a separate action filed last December the Quaids sued Baxter Healthcare Corp., maker of Heparin, but that case has since been dismissed. Baxter may pursue its own claim against Cedars-Sinai, however, as a result of Monday’s settlement.

Sources: People, Associated Press

Comments

I think the lawsuit was necessary as long as those involved learn from the mistake that could have been deadly. As for the Quaid’s, they should put the money to good use in the way of a foundation or charity.

- Stacey on December 16th, 2008

I hope that the Quaid’s donate that money to children’s organizations or to families that this may have happened to in the past. It is not like they need the money.

- Kay Fagan on December 16th, 2008

i think the quaids have the right to sue the hospital….a horrible mistake was made on the hospitals part and the quaids could have lost their precious children…being a parent is a wonderful thing and having my own children , i know how they feel.

- nancy smith on December 16th, 2008

Thank god for the Quaid’s becoming activists for all children. Sad to think how many babies did not live prior to their incident.

- Gina on December 16th, 2008

I think that the Quaids had every right to sue the hospital. They were very lucky that it didn’t end in death. I hope that they put the money to a good charity or even use it to better train the hospital staff there, so that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.

- Julie on December 16th, 2008

I think the money should go to training and awareness!
I don’t believe any person/s should get money because of this!
Don’t get me wrong, they went though a horrible ordeal that no one should have to ever go through. I understand suing to pay for med bills etc.. but not for personal gain!

- ang on December 16th, 2008

I think they should donate some of the money to other families who have lost children from this problem. I’m pretty sure some families can’t pay for high end attorneys to get them a huge pay off, so I think it would good for the Quaid’s.

- Lyndsey on December 16th, 2008

It is very sad to know that DQ could have lost his babies. The money, he does not need, but still should be put in a trust fund for the twins. Something for college. Thank God they are all right. I know that they will do the right thing with the money.

- Crystal Ball on December 16th, 2008

How is the drug company responsible for the improper administration of the medicine? That’s why only qualified individuals are permitted to handle it. The fault lies with the hospital; namely, the person who over-dosed the children.

If Mr. & Mrs. John Doe had this happen to their twins, I’m sure the amount would have been significantly less.

Let’s hope the Quaids decide to do the honorable thing and donate the money to a charity. One that helps those who need financial assistance in order to obtain legal representation for their own medical negligence cases.

- Mischmetal on December 16th, 2008

Thank God for the Quaids!!! If not for them shedding light on potentially deadly practices, how many more infants could have died or been injured? Sadly, only money talks – which means, change would not have occured by just showing who did what when. The only way to get the attention of the hospitals, doctors, nurses, and the pharm. companies is through successful litigation. The Quiads should be commended for a wonderful public service they’ve rendered.

- Hazel Benton on December 16th, 2008

I think that Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Quaid had all the right to do what is needed to be done for their children. Maybe now all Hospitals, LPN, RN’s will pay more attention to what they are giving to patients. It is so sad to what had happened to other children.
What they do with the money is their business, if they want to put it into a account for their children that is their right. If they want to donate to charity again their right. What gives the right of people to say what they should do with the MONEY?? HELLO they almost lost their children. Just because he is a celebrity does not make him a bad person, if he wants to keep the money for his children.
People GROW UP, think of what has happened to them, again no one knows but God on the side affects of this medication for the future of the twins. I hope all is okay for them in the future. Give them your bessings and stop with the money crap. They are people like anyone, just because he has a good career does not make him a bad person.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Quaid, wish you all the best to you and your family. Merry Christmas, and hope you have lots more with your family and loved ones. I know I am happy for you. With love and SUPPORT.

- Elliee on December 16th, 2008

Actually, he has publicly stated that they are going to give the money to raise awareness. But, even if he didn’t, that’s his business and his right. I would have had no issue with him putting that money in a trust for the twins, since they are the ones who nearly lost their lives. Him being a celebrity does not make his children any less entitled to just compensation.

Mischmetal, they may have been suing the drug company for what is known as a marketing defect. Apparently, the labels on the herapin bottles were very similar making it easy to look over. The drug company could have been found liable for negligently labeling the medicine (if the claim hadn’t been dismissed).

- Sarah on December 16th, 2008

Dennis, Glad to hear the babies are ok! Sorry you and your family suffered this situation. Hope they have great health in the future.

- Sandra on December 17th, 2008