Calgary Man Sues Concordia Hospital After Alleged Propofol Overdose Causes Amputation and Brain Injury
Calgary man sues Concordia Hospital after alleged propofol overdose leaves him brain-injured and requiring multiple amputations.
Rochelle Silver
A Calgary man’s life has been dramatically altered following what his family alleges was a massive overdose of propofol at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. The overdose, according to a lawsuit filed in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, led to cardiac arrest, severe brain injury, and the amputation of his right hand and both legs below the knees.
The man, identified as Zachary Hoogerdyk, was admitted to Concordia Hospital in March 2024 after experiencing flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing. The lawsuit claims that he received far more propofol than is considered safe—between 12 and 60 times the standard dose—while under the care of hospital staff.
Family members say the overdose resulted in irreversible brain damage, leaving Zachary unable to communicate or perform daily tasks independently. Complications from the overdose reportedly led to gangrene, necessitating the amputation of his limbs.
The lawsuit names the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Shared Health, Concordia Hospital, one doctor, and two staff members as defendants, alleging negligence and breaches of duty of care. While the incident has been acknowledged as a medical error by hospital officials, the claims are yet to be proven in court.
This case raises pressing questions about patient safety, hospital oversight, and medical error prevention in Manitoba’s healthcare system. Zachary’s family hopes the lawsuit will not only bring accountability but also prevent similar tragedies in the future.
