$6.5 Million jury verdict for untimely ventilation of patient in respiratory distress

A 29-year old student was vomiting and breathing hard after taking oxycodone. The hospitalist first only gave supplemental oxygen; but, as his condition worsened, the patient was attached to a respirator. After 90 minutes, the hospitalist consulted a specialist, who adjusted the oxygen level. The patient suffered cardiac arrest and cannot care for himself. The verdict was $6.5 Million but the jury found the student 26% liable, reducing the award.