In a compelling legal battle that underscores the importance of medical oversight, a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against the United States of America, alleging negligence in managing a methadone program that led to a wrongful death. Rondell A. Johnson, acting as the Independent Administrator of the Estate of Rodney Bradford, lodged this complaint on November 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.
The case revolves around Rodney Bradford's tragic demise due to methadone toxicity. The complaint alleges that employees of the United States government, specifically those associated with UIC Mile Square Health Center and its staff including Dr. Nicole Gastala, failed in their duty to properly manage Mr. Bradford's methadone treatment. According to court documents, Mr. Bradford was admitted to the University of Illinois Hospital on February 10, 2022, where he was prescribed methadone for pain management and opioid dependence. However, upon his admission, his urine drug screen did not indicate any opioids.
After being discharged from the hospital on February 24, 2022, Mr. Bradford was placed in a methadone program at Mile Square Health Center. Despite having no opioids in his system initially, Dr. Gastala increased his methadone dosage from 40mg to 50mg during a consultation on March 10, 2022. Tragically, on March 24, 2022, Mr. Bradford was found deceased at California Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center due to methadone toxicity with blood concentration levels significantly exceeding fatality thresholds.
The plaintiff argues that such an outcome should not occur under supervised care and attributes it to negligence by Dr. Gastala and other responsible parties at UIC Mile Square Health Center who were supposed to monitor and adjust Mr. Bradford’s medication accurately. This alleged negligence forms the basis for claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), citing wrongful acts by federal employees acting within their official capacities.
Johnson seeks $4 million in damages for this alleged negligence leading to wrongful death and associated suffering endured by Mr. Bradford before his passing. The suit also requests additional relief deemed appropriate by the court including costs of suit and post-judgment interest.
Representing Rondell A. Johnson is attorney Nnanenyem E. Uche from UCHE P.C., based in Chicago. The case is identified as Case No: 1:24-cv-11692 and will be presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois.