Norwegian Breakaway Doctor Malpractice Lawsuit Award $3,337,500 – Ilija Loncar (Илија Лончар), 30, from Novi Sad, Serbia, who is currently living in Saint Petersburg, Florida, worked as a waiter aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines ship Norwegian Breakaway when he developed flu-like symptoms including nausea on Monday, March 28, 2016.
Loncar reported to the cruise ship infirmary for treatment. The doctor’s treatment ultimately resulted in Loncar’s arm being amputated, resulting in a lawsuit, Case 1:16-cv-22826-RNS.
Ilija Loncar v Norwegian Cruise Lines was seeking damages for “Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness, and failure to provide adequate maintenance and cure.”
Sebastian Campuzano was the cruise ship doctor aboard Norwegian Breakaway. Campuzano, from Columbia, was hired by the cruise line a few months prior. Dr Campuzano prescribed the antihistamine promethazine, which was injected by nurse Marco Oracion in a “huge” dose over a short period of time. This lead to an “intense” reaction which plunged Loncar into a catastrophic situation that resulted in the amputation of his right arm.
Promethazine had also allegedly been injected intravenously into Loncar’s arm, instead of intramuscularly in his buttocks which is the recommended technique.
Promethazine can treat allergies and motion sickness. It can be used as a sedative before and after surgery and medical procedures. This medication can also help control pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Promethazine side effects include:
- Seizures and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). NMS is a medical emergency and can lead to death if untreated. The first step is to stop the antipsychotic medication and treat the hyperthermia aggressively, such as with cooling blankets or ice packs to the axillae and groin. Supportive care in an intensive care unit capable of circulatory and ventilatory support is crucial.
Loncar’s lawyer Thomas B. Scolaro stated, “Dr Campuzano gave the wrong medication, the wrong dosage by the wrong route through the wrong injection site, and it was administered over the wrong time and by the wrong method.”
Scolaro claims that the 25 milligram dose which was administered, was well above the usual amount prescribed.
Article Resources:
- Ilija Loncar v Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship Tracker
- Norwegian Breakaway Cameras
Notable Recent Cruise Lawsuits
- Lawsuit Filed Against Norwegian Cruise Line After Wheelchair Injures Other Passenger
- Norwegain Cruise Line Passenger Files Lawsuit After Water Slide Incident
- Cruise Ship Lawsuit Leads To Murder
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Lawsuit Filed After Filmmaker Films Own Death
- Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship Crew Files Medical Disability Lawsuit
- Princess Cruises Lawsuit After Passenger Injury During Crew Maintenance
- Gold Dealer Strikes $21.5 Million With Holland America Lawsuit
Video: Jury Awards Man $21.5 Million After He’s Hit by Sliding Door on Cruise
