A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against University of Florida Health Shands in Gainesville, Florida, following the tragic death of two-year-old De’Markus Page. The child’s family claims that a critical medication error, attributed to a misplaced decimal point, led to his untimely demise less than 24 hours after his admission to the hospital.
De’Markus, who was described as an active and happy toddler, exhibited concerning symptoms including persistent crying, diarrhea, and loss of appetite before being taken to AdventHealth Ocala Hospital in early March 2024. Medical staff diagnosed him with a rhinovirus/enterovirus and dangerously low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia. His deteriorating health required transfer to UF Health Shands for more advanced treatment.
Upon his arrival at UF Health Shands on March 2, staff noted that his electrolyte levels were critically unstable. According to the lawsuit, the medical team failed to recognize the severity of De’Markus’ condition and neglected to adhere to essential protocols, including constant monitoring of his vital signs. The child was to receive 1.5 millimole (mmol) of potassium phosphate twice daily to restore his potassium levels.
The situation escalated on March 3, when a doctor allegedly entered an incorrect order for De’Markus’ potassium medication, increasing the dosage from 1.5 mmol to 15 mmol, a tenfold increase. This error resulted in a significant overdose, leading to a severe spike in potassium levels that caused hyperkalemic cardiac arrest.
The lawsuit alleges that the hospital staff failed to notice the overdose, which was exacerbated by a pharmacy system that issued a ‘Red Flag’ warning about the excessive dosage but was subsequently overridden. Consequently, De’Markus was administered the incorrect dose twice—once in the afternoon and again in the evening.
Around 21:00 on March 3, De’Markus went into cardiac arrest. The parents claim that the emergency response was inadequate, with medical staff taking over 20 minutes to successfully intubate him. This delay deprived his brain of oxygen, resulting in irreversible damage. Following two weeks on life support, De’Markus was pronounced dead on March 18, 2024. The official cause of death was determined to be hyperkalemic cardiac arrest and subsequent anoxic brain injury.
Dominique Page, De’Markus’ mother, expressed her profound grief and frustration, stating, “It’s been extremely difficult since the passing of my son because to this day, I still have not known what happened.” The family is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 to cover medical and funeral expenses along with other losses.
While UF Health Shands has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, they have stated to other media outlets that they do not discuss ongoing litigation. The claims raised in the lawsuit highlight serious concerns about hospital protocols and patient safety, particularly in cases involving young patients with critical health needs.
The family hopes that this legal action will bring attention to the importance of medical accuracy and the dire consequences that can arise from seemingly minor errors in healthcare settings.
