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Medical Malpractice: What's the Price?

By Megan Roth

In 2007, a

medical malpractice lawsuit was resolved. The plaintiff? A woman who suffered a crippling brain seizure that left her incapable of returned to work. The defendant? The medical school (and surgeon) at which her surgery was performed .baby boy suffered multiple seizures after signs of an infected circumcision. The responsible pediatrician was largely absent and failed to make proper recommendations to the parent; in result of his neglect, the baby suffered severe brain damage that caused him to be developmentally delayed, blind and dependent on others for the rest of his life. opening arguments were made in a New Brunswick trial; this particular case is based on a 21-year old man who died having his wisdom teeth out.compensatory damages.

Here's a brief overview of the case: the woman has a brain tumor and Von Willebrand disease (which slows the coagulation of blood). A neurosurgeon was advised not to operate because of this condition (and associated risks), but he did. In result, the patient suffered a brain seizure that caused irreversible damage.

The patient filed suit; the verdict? $16 million in favor of the patient (aka victim).

Wow - that's a lotta dough. However, given the circumstances of the situation, I'm not convinced it's enough…yes - the ruling was in favor of the victim; however, great as the $16 million is, it's not going to get her life back.

Here's another one: in 1986, a nine-day old

Thirteen years later, the lawsuit for the family was finally resolved; however, it took 13 years, an army of legal officials, life-changing medical bills and damages and months upon months of extensive stress before this case finally came to rest.

The findings of the suit remain confidential but it is known the ruling was in favor of the plaintiff; however, a financial amount (regardless of what it may be) doesn't quite justify the thirteen years of emotional distress suffered by the victim and his family.

Just two months ago, the

The patient died after his larynx swelled (thus blocking his airway) after his surgery in 2005. The suit arises over allegations that both the dentist and oral surgeon knew the patient suffered from an immune deficiency disorder that caused parts of his body to swell after trauma; thus, (according to the plaintiff) the procedure should not have been performed.

This trial is ongoing; however, in the event the case is found in favor of the plaintiff, he (his family) will be awarded

It's a difficult situation; such damages will never make up for the life lost. However, it may at least relieve some of the family's financial woes.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on April 13, 2009 (boomark / email).