against the DI

center for injuries sustained by inadvertent

administration of cocaine solution instead of

acetaminophen to a 10-year-old patient. The local

pharmacy had colored the 10% cocaine solution

red and labeled it red solution to thwart abuse.

When the nurse realized the mistake she contacted

the Arizona Poison and DI Center. The DI

pharmacist described the symptomatology of

cocaine overdose, but did not go far enough in

recommending that the patient seek emergency

care. The patient developed seizures and

cardiopulmonary arrest with brain damage that

required lifetime nursing care. At the trial, the

expert witness testified that the DI center operated

below the standard of care. The issue was not

erroneous information, but whether the center

went far enough in its responsibility in handling the

call. The plaintiff was awarded $6.5 million; the DI

center was held liable for $3.6 million.