$412 Million Verdict Against Men’s Health Clinic Sets Record in Medical Malpractice Case
In a landmark decision, a New Mexico jury awarded a man over $412 million in damages following a medical malpractice lawsuit against NuMale Medical Center, setting a new record for the largest jury award in a U.S. medical malpractice case. The verdict, announced Monday, marks a significant victory for the plaintiff and sends a powerful message about the consequences of deceptive practices in healthcare.
Allegations of Fraud and Unnecessary Procedures
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that NuMale Medical Center, a multi-state chain specializing in men’s health, engaged in a fraudulent scheme targeting older men seeking treatment for various conditions. The man, who was 66 at the time, visited the clinic in 2017 seeking help for fatigue and weight loss.
According to the lawsuit, NuMale misdiagnosed the man and subjected him to unnecessary “invasive erectile dysfunction shots,” which caused irreversible damage.
The plaintiff’s attorneys, Lori Bencoe and Nick Rowley, celebrated the verdict, expressing hope that it would deter similar practices and protect vulnerable patients.
“It’s 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. “That is a very egregious breach of their fiduciary duty. That’s breach of trust, and anytime someone is wearing a white coat, they shouldn’t be allowed to do that.”
Multi-State Investigation into NuMale Practices
Rowley described NuMale’s operations as a “fraudulent scheme to make millions off of conning old men,” alleging that clinic staff pressured patients into agreeing to three injections per week by claiming they would suffer irreversible damage otherwise.
NuMale Medical Center President Brad Palubicki issued a statement acknowledging the verdict but declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
“While we respect the judicial process, due to ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot comment on specific details of the case at this time,” Palubicki said.
NuMale operates clinics in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. The high-profile case is likely to spark further scrutiny of the company’s practices in these states.
Juror Decision and Unfair Practices Act Violation
The jury’s decision followed a detailed trial in Albuquerque earlier this month, where they deliberated on allegations of both fraudulent and negligent conduct by the defendants.
Court records show that the jurors found that NuMale’s actions not only constituted medical malpractice but also violated the state’s Unfair Practices Act due to its unconscionable conduct. The landmark verdict stands as a testament to the importance of patient safety and accountability in the healthcare industry.
Did NuMale Medical Center admit to any wrongdoing, or do they plan to appeal the verdict?
## Justice Served: $412 Million Verdict Against Men’s Health Clinic Sets Record in Medical Malpractice Case
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re joined today by legal analyst Sarah Jones to discuss a landmark medical malpractice case that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry. Sarah, can you tell us about this record-breaking verdict?
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. A New Mexico jury awarded a staggering $412 million to a man who sued NuMale Medical Center, a men’s health clinic. This is the largest jury award ever in a U.S. medical malpractice case.
**Host:** Wow, $412 million! What were the allegations against NuMale?
**Sarah Jones:** The lawsuit claimed that NuMale engaged in a deceptive scheme targeting older men like the plaintiff. The man, who was 66 at the time, sought treatment for fatigue and weight loss, but NuMale allegedly misdiagnosed him and subjected him to unnecessary “invasive erectile dysfunction shots” which caused permanent damage.
**Host:** That’s horrifying. Living with that kind of damage is unimaginable.
**Sarah Jones:** Precisely. The plaintiff’s attorneys argued that these were harmful, unnecessary procedures driven by profit, not patient care. This verdict sends a powerful message about holding clinics accountable for unethical practices and prioritizing patient well-being over financial gain.
**Host:** Do you think this case could lead to changes in how similar clinics operate?
**Sarah Jones:** It certainly has the potential to do so. The sheer size of the verdict underlines the seriousness of the allegations. It’s likely to prompt other clinics to re-evaluate their practices and consider the consequences of putting profits before patient safety.
**Host:** It’s a significant victory for the plaintiff and potentially a turning point for patient protection in the healthcare system. Thank you for sharing your insights, Sarah.
**Sarah Jones:** My pleasure.
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**