Early 1996, I suffered medical malpractice that caused a nervous breakdown and severe fibromyalgia ever since. Sue HMO?

Question

The HMO was Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles via Dr. K.G. I had been having to endure multiple bouts of walking pneumonia since early 1994. Each bout lasting approx 6 months continuously. He prescribed prednisone at overdose with only the following written out as “directions”:  120-60-0.  I was so sick that I couldn’t remember any spoken instructions. I simply followed what was written on his scrap of paper (which doctor quickly trashed!) and cut the dosage in 1/2 after 3 or 4 days. All hell broke loose in my mind & body as a result! I was left feverish, and in unbelievable levels of pain all over. I became agoraphobic & was suffering uncontrollable fear/panic for a further 8 months. I’ve been disabled & unable to work ever since, with only a hard-fought for SSI “ income” to live on since 1998, due to my age back then, of roughly 24 when Kaiser damaged me. A rather small & quite insufficient one at that…. My elderly parents and I have lost our home since then. Help!!!

Tim Akpinar · Answer

I'm sorry for your ordeal. You could try to reach out to attorneys and legal aid groups for a free initial consult, but that chronology presents a difficult timeline in terms of statutes of limitations.  Good luck

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible medical ordeal you've been through and the immense suffering it has caused you. What happened to you with the prednisone overdose and lack of proper instructions sounds truly awful and traumatic. To lose your health and ability to work at such a young age is devastating.  
 
In terms of potential legal action against Kaiser Permanente, medical malpractice lawsuits in California generally need to be filed within 1 year of the patient discovering the injury, or within 3 years of the date of the injury, whichever comes first. Unfortunately, based on the timeline you provided with this happening in early 1996, it seems that the statute of limitations for a malpractice suit has likely long passed at this point, over 25 years later. 
 
However, there may be other avenues to explore to get additional support and resources to help with your ongoing medical issues and financial hardship. A few suggestions: 
 
- Reach out to local legal aid clinics or organizations that provide pro bono legal assistance to low income individuals. They may be able to advise on any options to still pursue action or obtain aid. 
 
- Contact patient advocacy groups for fibromyalgia and related conditions. Many have support services and resources to help patients in difficult circumstances.  
 
- See if you qualify for any additional state or federal benefits beyond SSI due to disability and low income, such as food stamps, housing assistance, utility bill assistance, etc. A social worker may be able to help identify programs. 
 
- Look into clinical trials and research studies on fibromyalgia and related conditions. Some provide free treatment as part of the study. 
 
- Crowdfunding through a site like GoFundMe to help cover medical and living expenses is an option some people pursue. 
 
I know none of this makes up for the immense harm and losses you've suffered. But I hope you are able to find some additional help and support to improve your situation. Please don't lose hope. Wishing you all the best.

Q: Early 1996, I suffered medical malpractice that caused a nervous breakdown and severe fibromyalgia ever since. Sue HMO?