Can a Doctor Become a Drug Dealer?

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Shapiro Law Group

Kirkwood Family Practice of Dayton, Ohio is under fire for the overdose deaths of seven patients. According to the Ohio Attorney General, Dr. David C. Kirkwood is responsible for running a “pill mill,” dispensing prescription drugs to recipients in his home state as well as Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Court records show that Kirkwood has a long history of medical malpractice cases.

Several Prescription Pill Bottles in a Pile

The United States Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had been watching the Kirkwood practice for over a year, and during its surveillance became aware that many of Kirkwood’s patients were known drug addicts. Many patients were selling the drugs Kirkwood gave them, a fact that the doctor was also allegedly aware of.

The DEA’s raid of the Kirkwood office found records showing that most patients were only given the most basic of examinations before being prescribed drugs. The doctor charged $100 per visit and his records supported a conspiracy to make as much money as possible by distributing controlled substances, a practice which ended in at least seven dead patients.

What Can I Do In the Event of a Loved One’s Prescription Drug Overdose?

Kirkwood’s alleged network of drug distribution presents a clear danger to patients and communities touched by it. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem and doctors who enable it should be punished to the full extent of the law.

If a loved one has died due to overmedication by their doctor, you could be entitled to compensation. The Tampa Bay medical malpractice attorneys at Shapiro Law Group have a long and successful history of helping medical malpractice victims receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

Shapiro Law Group – Medical Malpractice Attorneys Serving the Tampa Bay Area

Source: http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/doctor-wife-indicted-for-allegedly-running-pill-mi/njT9z/

Did You Know?: In 2010, the DEA’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) reported that 98 of the top 100 oxycodone dispensing physicians in the nation were located in Florida. Today, none of the top 100 dispensing physicians reside in Florida.

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