Medical malpractice can happen in even routine healthcare settings, and its consequences can be devastating. The tragic death of 23-year-old Ashanti McCall shows just how serious the impact can be when patient care falls short.
Ms. McCall’s death led to two medical malpractice lawsuits, which were ultimately settled for $2.4 million. Handled by James I. Power of Power Rogers on behalf of her family, the case highlights how preventable oversights, from incomplete evaluations to risky prescribing decisions and insufficient follow-up, can have fatal results. It also shows why accountability in the healthcare system matters and why careful attention to a patient’s history can save lives.
What Happened?
Ashanti McCall was a 23-year-old college student with a history of seizure-like episodes. These episodes returned in adulthood, sometimes after minor head bumps, and she consistently reported them to her medical providers.
In 2016, she was prescribed Wellbutrin (bupropion) by her primary care physician at Mile Square Clinic to treat depression. The dosage was later increased to the maximum therapeutic level. A few months later, she was found unconscious at home and taken to Roseland Hospital, where she received treatment for an unrelated condition before being transferred to Advocate Christ Medical Center.
At Advocate Christ, staff were informed of her seizure history, the increasing episodes, and her use of Wellbutrin. Despite this, no neurological evaluation was performed, and she was not advised about the risks of continuing the medication.
Tragically, on December 7, 2016, Ashanti McCall passed away. Her autopsy listed the cause of death as a probable seizure disorder.
What Went Wrong?
This case involved multiple preventable errors that contributed to Ms. McCall’s death. The failures occurred at two separate points of care and involved both prescribing decisions and follow-up treatment.
The first critical error occurred during the prescribing stage. Ms. McCall was given Wellbutrin, a medication known to increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizure-like episodes. Prescribing this medication, and later increasing the dosage, without further evaluation represented a dangerous oversight.
The second set of errors occurred during Ms. McCall’s hospital care. Staff were explicitly informed of three critical facts: she had a history of seizure-like episodes, she was taking Wellbutrin, and her episodes had increased over the prior three months. Despite this information, no neurological workup was conducted. She was also not advised of the risks of continuing Wellbutrin and was not instructed to stop taking it.
This failure allowed her to continue taking a drug that may have contributed to life-threatening seizures.
What Was the Outcome?
Two separate lawsuits addressed the negligence that contributed to Ms. McCall’s death. The first lawsuit was filed against the United States of America for the care Ms. McCall received at Mile Square Clinic. That case settled in 2023 for $900,000.
The second lawsuit was filed against Advocate Christ Medical Center in Cook County, addressing the hospital’s failure to conduct a proper neurological evaluation and its failure to advise Ms. McCall to discontinue Wellbutrin. This case was resolved in January 2026 for $1,500,000.
Why This Matters for Patients and Families
The McCall case highlights errors that, unfortunately, occur too often in healthcare. Missed evaluations, prescribing medications without fully considering a patient’s history, and breakdowns in communication between providers are common problems that can have life-altering or even fatal consequences. When patients report symptoms or concerns, those reports deserve careful attention, thorough evaluation, and follow-up.
This case also shows that individuals and families have options when the system fails.
Pursuing legal action can hold healthcare providers accountable, provide a measure of justice, and help ensure that similar errors are addressed so other patients are protected.
Power Rogers Fights for Families Affected by Medical Errors
At Power Rogers, we understand the profound impact of medical malpractice on families. The loss of a loved one due to preventable medical errors is a tragedy no family should endure alone. Our firm is committed to helping families pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, contact our firm. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and fight to hold negligent providers accountable.
