Postscript: Wrongful Death Results from Routine Liposuction Surgery

This is a postscript of an October 5, 2009 blog penned by attorney and InjuryBoard member David Mittleman. I am sad to report that the family of Rohie Kah, 37-year-old mother of three who was left brain dead and on life support after a routine liposuction procedure at the Weston MedSpa in Weston, Florida, has made the tough decision to discontinue artificial life support measures. Kah’s attorney, Michael Freedland, had this to say about the circumstances of the surgery:

“…at some point during the [routine] procedure…scheduled to last two hours, something went terribly wrong. "A 37-year-old, healthy mother of three shouldn’t go into a medical spa for a routine procedure and come out brain dead."

Ms. Kah was scheduled for a liposuction procedure known as Carboxy Therapy, a medical procedure that improves the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks by injections of carbon dioxide. Lidocaine, a commonly used local anesthetic, was used during the procedure. Attorneys say it is possible she was given too much lidocaine; often seizures are a side effect of too much lidocaine. Medical examiners have yet to say if lidocaine contributed to her condition, but plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine of New York City said the anesthetic can prove deadly if administered incorrectly.

"Lidocaine can have a direct toxic effect, depending on the dose that’s injected."

This case is in the beginning stages of an investigation, but it has been revealed that the medical facility was not licensed. However, Dr. Omar J. Brito, a licensed doctor, performed the liposuction procedure. So, what went wrong and why was the procedure performed if the facility is not licensed? Unfortunately, the answers will do little to ease the pain inflicted on the family – her husband and three young children, ages 4, 5 and 7 who are facing life without her.

Medical Malpractice is a serious issue and a leading cause of wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice or have experienced the death of a loved one due to the negligence of a health care professional, contact a medical malpractice attorney. You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit for loss of income and benefits, loss of companionship, medical bills, long-term care, and funeral expenses. If you do not have an attorney, be sure to seek a referral from a professional to a professional. Companies like Lawsuit Financial can help families locate attorneys in their needed specialty. Professional lawsuit funding can also help families deal with the financial realities that accompany the death of a loved one if caused by another’s negligence. Most compassionate lawsuit funding companies will provide a complimentary assessment of a litigation situation and explain funding options. We extend our profound sympathies to the family of Rohie Kah.