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Dallas Hospital to Pay Ebola Victim’s Family Undisclosed Sum

Will also create charitable foundation in victim’s name

Josephus Weeks is introduced by his attorney during a news conference in Dallas
Josephus Weeks is introduced by his attorney during a news conference in Dallas / AP
November 13, 2014

The Dallas hospital that treated Thomas Eric Duncan, the only Ebola patient to die in the United States, will pay his family an undisclosed sum and create a charitable foundation in his name, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The hospital admitted to making mistakes in treating Duncan, who was initially sent home with antibiotics.

Attorney Les Weisbrod declined to say at a news conference how much money the family would receive, but said the settlement was a "very good deal" that would provide for Duncan's parents and his four children. Weisbrod also said Presbyterian Hospital was not charging Duncan's family for his medical treatment. The foundation will assist efforts to fight Ebola in Liberia, he said.

Duncan's nephew, Josephus Weeks, has previously been critical of the care Duncan received, saying his death was partly due to his race, nationality and lack of insurance. But on Wednesday, he credited Presbyterian's officials for moving quickly to settle the case and acknowledge mistakes.

Weeks said he will be "the face of the foundation," which he hopes will lead to a new hospital or the dedication of a hospital wing in Liberia.

Published under: Ebola