Friedman | Rubin Wins $1.26 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict in Washington Opioid Overprescription Case

Seattle, WA – September 25, 2025 — Nationally recognized plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice law firm Friedman | Rubin PLLP has secured a $1.26 million jury verdict in Stout v. Rice, a wrongful death and medical malpractice case against Dr. James W. Rice, Jr. in King County Superior Court.

The complaint in the lawsuit filed on behalf of Bethany Stout, widow of Neiland E. Stout, alleged that Dr. Rice’s negligent overprescription of opioids and benzodiazepines caused Mr. Stout’s fatal overdose. Evidence presented at trial showed that within a few months, Dr. Rice prescribed more than 1,300 pills of opioids and benzodiazepines without proper monitoring or medical justification. The jury found Dr. Rice liable for medical negligence, awarding $1,261,925 in damages for lost earnings, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.

“Every year, more than 100,000 Americans die from drug overdoses, which has become this country’s leading cause of deaths among teenagers and young adults,” said Alex Ackel, trial attorney with Friedman | Rubin. “This verdict holds physicians accountable and reinforces the importance of patient safety in pain management.”

Friedman | Rubin is a Seattle-based personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death law firm representing clients nationwide.