February 13, 2015 — Ohio University has agreed to pay a $1 million settlement to the father of an 18 year-old freshman who died of meningitis in February 2010.
The freshman, Andrea Robinson, contacted the university health center and reported symptoms consistent with meningitis, including a temperature spiking to 103.8º. However, she was misdiagnosed and told to drink water, take a Tylenol, and get some rest.
The lawsuit accuses the university of failing to take adequate steps to warn students that there was a strain of bacterial meningitis on campus that had no vaccine.
Judge Patrick McGrath in the Ohio Court of Claims approved the settlement. Cuyahoga County Probate Court judge approved the distribution of the settlement on January 12, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Bacterial meningitis is an invasive infection that causes inflammation of the meninges, which is the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Within just a few days, victims can develop brain damage, hearing loss, and permanent learning disabilities.
Meningitis is highly infectious and spreads easily when a large number of people are living in close quarters, especially college students in residence halls.
Bacterial meningitis symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck
- Nausea, vomiting
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Confusion or altered mental state
Do I have a Bacterial Meningitis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting bacterial meningitis induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know is a college or university student who was diagnosed with meningitis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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