A tragic incident has come to light as a Florida family alleges that their toddler died after receiving the wrong dosage of medication at a local hospital. The family of 2-year-old De’Markus Page has taken legal action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against UF Health Shands in Gainesville, Fla. According to NTD, which obtained a copy of the lawsuit, the family claims that the child passed away in 2024 after being administered “two consecutive doses of a massive overdose of oral potassium phosphate” that ultimately led to cardiac arrest.
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PEOPLE reached out to UF Health Shands in Gainesville for a response to the allegations but did not receive an immediate reply. The family’s complaint states that De’Markus Page was initially taken to AdventHealth Ocala Hospital in March 2024 due to symptoms like persistent crying, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Following a diagnosis of “rhinovirus/enterovirus” and low blood potassium levels, the child was transferred to the UF Health Shands emergency department for further treatment.
Upon evaluation, it was discovered that Page had significantly altered electrolyte levels and dangerously low potassium levels once again. The complaint highlights that the hospital staff failed to acknowledge De’Markus’ critical care needs, including crucial monitoring and assessments. The situation worsened with a significant medication error, with a doctor allegedly prescribing oral potassium phosphate medication at a dosage that was ten times higher than the previous day’s order.
The family alleges that due to these errors, De’Markus suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after receiving the overdoses. The complaint goes on to detail further issues during the emergency response, stating that there were challenges in successfully intubating the child, leading to delays and additional complications. Despite efforts to save him, De’Markus remained on life support for two weeks with no signs of improvement before ultimately succumbing to irreversible brain damage from the incident.
In an emotional statement to WCJB, the boy’s mother, Dominique Page, expressed the ongoing trauma and unanswered questions surrounding her son’s untimely death. She shared that the lack of clarity and information from medical staff has left her with lasting nightmares and anguish. The family is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 to cover various expenses and losses incurred as a result of this devastating ordeal.
The lawsuit against UF Health Shands sheds light on the critical importance of accurate medication administration and responsive medical care, particularly when treating vulnerable young patients. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for thorough protocols, oversight, and accountability in healthcare settings to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. As legal proceedings unfold and details emerge, the community awaits further developments in this heartbreaking case.