A 72-year-old man from New Mexico has been awarded a staggering $412 million (around £325 million) after a medical treatment went horribly wrong, leaving him with permanent injuries. The patient, who has not been publicly named, sought help from the NuMale Medical Center in Albuquerque back in 2017 for fatigue and weight loss. What followed was a nightmare he could never have imagined.
The story began when the then 66-year-old was misdiagnosed with erectile dysfunction and enrolled in the clinic’s expensive $5,000 treatment program. This program involved multiple weekly injections meant to address erectile dysfunction, along with testosterone pellet implantation. However, the medications didn’t work as promised.
To make matters worse, the clinic’s staff, including a medical assistant, instructed the man on how to administer the injections himself. At one follow-up appointment, after he reported no success, his technique was criticized. A physician assistant then demonstrated the injection directly, sending him home with an unnecessary, medically induced erection.
That erection wouldn’t subside. In excruciating discomfort, he required emergency surgery to address the issue. Unfortunately, the damage was already done. The man was left impotent, unable to urinate standing up, and suffering from irreversible fibrosis—a condition where scar tissue replaces healthy cells in the penis. Doctors confirmed the injuries were permanent, leaving him unable to recover.
Keith Bruno, one of the attorneys representing the patient, accused the clinic of prioritizing profits over people’s health. “NuMale falsely marketed itself as a health and wellness center,” he said, “They took advantage of a vulnerable man with a fake diagnosis, all for financial gain.”
The jury agreed, awarding the man one of the largest settlements of its kind. Bruno added, “This verdict sends a strong message: medical providers must prioritize patient well-being or face consequences.”
Meanwhile, Brad Palubicki, the president of NuMale Medical Center, issued a statement saying the clinic is committed to providing safe and responsible care. However, he declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings. NuMale operates clinics in several states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Erectile dysfunction injections, when used appropriately, are a common treatment for men who can’t use other medications. These injections typically work by increasing blood flow to the penis and are considered safe when administered correctly. However, there are non-invasive alternatives, like vacuum erection devices, which use an external pump.
This heartbreaking case underscores the importance of careful and ethical medical treatment. It serves as a reminder that patients should always seek trusted medical advice and ask questions when treatments seem overly aggressive or unnecessary.
