Last year on September 26, 2009 my 38-year-olddaughter-in-law…

Last year on September 26, 2009 my 38-year-olddaughter-in-law Lisa committed suicide through an insulin overdose. She purchased 15 vials of insulin over the Internet from a Canadian pharmacy, for which she paid $700. Apparently a prescription was faxed to the pharmacy, but we don’t believe it was a valid prescription because the doctor’s name on the prescription was that of a psychiatrist (and what psychiatrists would prescribe insulin)?. Lisa was not diabetic and had no prior use of insulin. We believe the pharmacy shipped the insulin without verifying the prescription, resulting in the unnecessary death of a beautiful, young, intelligent mother.

Lisa left behind her husband (my son Mark) and 2 baby boys, ages 10 months and 22 months. At the time of her death, Lisa was on maternity leave as a registered nurse (with a master's degree) from Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan The year leading up to her suicide was filled with much grief for her. She lost both her mother and her father within that year. Her older sister moved out of the state, and her younger sister was admitted to a nursing home with a neuromuscular disease that eventually took her life at the age of 34, just a few months after Lisa’s death. My son lost his job as an engineer at Chrysler, and Lisa slipped into a severe post-partum depression. She saw no way out except to end her life. Her background in nursing apparently had taught her that a large dose of insulin would most certainly result in death that was painless and quick. So she methodically ordered the insulin and proceeded to check herself into a hotel with nothing but the 15 bottles of insulin that she had purchased over the Internet. She was found dead the next day with the empty insulin bottles and used syringes at her bedside.

We believe that the pharmacy that shipped the insulin to Lisa should be held accountable in some way for this terrible tragedy. How can they recklessly ship FIFTEEN vials of insulin to ANYONE without even verifying the prescription? My son's life, my grandchildren's lives, and my entire family’s lives are changed forever because of the irresponsibility and carelessness of the pharmacy. We do not know where to turn for help. My son was told he needed to contact an attorney in Canada. That does not really help us because we do not know of any attorneys in Canada, or even know if they are reputable. We are not even sure of the Canadian laws regarding this type of case. Can you please help me or direct me to someone who can help?

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy account. Any help will be greatly appreciated.