Normand Meunier’s widow, Sylvie Brosseau, is exploring the possibility of taking legal action against the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides (CISSSL) for the suffering endured by her late husband, leading to his decision to seek medical assistance in dying (MAID). The specific amount of the claim remains undisclosed at this time.
The events unfolded in January 2024 when Meunier, a quadriplegic, sought treatment at Saint-Jérôme Hospital for respiratory issues. Despite repeated pleas from Brosseau, the hospital failed to provide a suitable mattress for Meunier, who spent four days in the emergency room under uncomfortable conditions.
Due to the lack of proper care and mobility assistance, Meunier developed severe bedsores on his buttocks, which went unnoticed until after he returned home. Subsequent medical interventions were necessary to address the complications arising from the bedsores.
A report by Coroner Dave Kimpton, made public on Tuesday, indicated that the bedsores either originated or worsened during Meunier’s hospital stay.
In response to his deteriorating condition, Meunier opted for MAID, a request that was granted, leading to his passing on March 29, 2024.
Expressing her determination at a press conference in Montreal on Wednesday, Brosseau vowed to carry on the fight, motivated by her late husband’s spirit, in an effort to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, Moelle épinière et motricité Québec (Mémo-Québec) is contemplating initiating a class action lawsuit against Santé Québec and the Ministry of Health on behalf of individuals affected by inadequate care that resulted in bedsores, regardless of spinal cord injury status.
Attorney Patrick Martin-Ménard, representing Brosseau, highlighted the potential impact on thousands of individuals in Quebec who may have faced circumstances akin to those experienced by Meunier. Mémo-Quebec has identified approximately 100 cases mirroring Meunier’s situation in their database.
Martin-Ménard emphasized the urgent need for systemic legal action, suggesting that the incidents reported could be just a fraction of a larger issue requiring comprehensive redress.
Keyphrase: medical negligence lawsuit
