A New York City jury awarded a Brooklyn woman $62 million after she sued a hospital following complications associated with a laparoscopic procedure, which led to partial deafness and the amputation of her legs. After a 12-week trial, she was awarded $58 million for pain and suffering, plus an additional $4 million in special damages.
In 2009, the woman entered Long Island’s Winthrop-University Hospital for laparoscopic surgery in order to remove an ectopic pregnancy. According to her attorney, the three doctors involved in the procedure were responsible for puncturing her colon during the procedure, causing blood poisoning and infections to take hold.
According to a hospital spokesperson, the doctors quickly identified the complication and treated it in the best possible manner. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, and further efforts to save her life left her disabled.
Those who rely on doctors, nurses and other medical professionals place a certain amount of trust in them and do not expect any surgical errors to occur. Hospitals are required to offer a high standard of care to their patients. Because it was determined that the actions of the medical professionals in this case contributed to her condition, the woman was able to pursue a successful civil claim in court. Individuals similarly injured by the negligence of doctors and other healthcare professionals may be able to seek similar compensation for damages. With the help of a personal injury attorney with experience litigating medical malpractice lawsuits, victims may be able to receive funds that reimburse them for the cost of medical care and rehabilitation.
Source: NBC 4 New York, “Brooklyn Woman Who Lost Legs After Surgery Awarded $62 Million in Lawsuit“, January 10, 2014
