In a landmark ruling, a New Mexico jury has awarded $412 million in damages to a man who accused a medical clinic of misdiagnosing his condition and administering harmful erectile dysfunction (ED) injections. NuMale Medical Center, a clinic with multiple branches across the United States, is at the center of the controversy.
Misdiagnosis and allegations of fraud
The case stems from a 2017 incident when the then-66-year-old plaintiff sought medical assistance at NuMale Medical Center for symptoms of fatigue and weight loss. According to the lawsuit, the clinic misdiagnosed his condition and unnecessarily administered invasive ED shots, causing irreversible harm to his health.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Lori Bencoe, described the verdict as unprecedented. “It is a national record-setting case, and it’s righteous because I don’t think there’s any place for licensed professionals to be defrauding patients for money,” Bencoe said. She added, “That is a very egregious breach of their fiduciary duty. That’s a breach of trust, and anytime someone is wearing a white coat, they shouldn’t be allowed to do that.”
Verdict and violations
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, led to a trial in Albuquerque earlier this month. Jurors found that NuMale Medical Center’s fraudulent and negligent actions directly resulted in damages to the plaintiff. Court records revealed that the clinic also violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act. The jury’s decision marks one of the largest financial awards in a medical malpractice case in the United States, further highlighting concerns over unethical practices in the healthcare industry.
Clinic responds with limited comment
NuMale Medical Center, which operates in states including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, stated, “While we respect the judicial process, due to ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot comment on specific details of the case at this time,” emphasizing that its priority is to deliver patient care.
A landmark case
Legal experts are calling the decision a wake-up call for medical professionals. “This case underscores the critical importance of fiduciary duty in the medical field,” said Bencoe. “Patients place their trust in healthcare providers, and that trust should never be exploited for financial gain.”
The verdict not only brings a sense of justice to the victim but also serves as a cautionary tale for clinics across the country, urging stricter adherence to ethical medical practices.
