In the United States, every patient has a right to ethical and proficient medical care. Unfortunately, many patients suffer injuries from the negligence of their doctors. Every year hundreds of thousands of patients die or suffer injuries caused by the negligent acts or inaction of health care providers. Medical malpractice takes place with a healthcare professional’s negligent actions that cause injury or harm to a patient.
Under U.S. law, people who suffer injuries caused by medical malpractice may have a right to compensation. Plaintiffs who prove that the negligent or reckless behavior of a healthcare professional caused their injuries can recover damages or compensation for their injuries. The following medical malpractice lawsuits involved some of the highest monetary recoveries in the United States.
A Cook County Jury Awarded $101 Million to the Mother of a Brain-Damaged Boy
In 2019, the mother of a boy who was severely brain-damaged due to a birth injury received a jury award of $101 million. The parties agreed to cap the number of damages at $50 million before the jury announced the verdict. Hospital staff ignored results from an ultrasound that indicated that the baby did not move for six hours during labor. The mother told the ultrasound tech that she could not feel the baby move in utero. At trial, medical experts testified that if the medical practitioners had used reasonable care, he would not have been brain-damaged. Failure to conduct a cesarean section resulted in a lack of oxygen that caused brain damage. Unfortunately, the boy cannot walk, speak, or even sit up on his own.
A Jury Awarded the Family of a Deceased Alabama College Student $9 Million
An Alabama college student died as a result of complications with birth control. Doctors improperly prescribed birth control, resulting in a pulmonary embolism which caused her death. The lawsuit alleged that despite tests showing that the college student was at high risk for blood clots, a doctor at Auburn Urgent Care prescribed her hormonal birth control. The student went back to urgent care a month later and reported other symptoms. The doctor misdiagnosed her and days later, she died from a pulmonary embolism.
A Former Prison Inmate Received a $1 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement
A former Virginia prison inmate won over $1 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit in 2019. The inmate alleged that the Lunenburg Correctional Center failed to properly treat his broken finger bone. The man injured the finger in the prison recreation yard. The prison medical staff only provided him with an ice pack even though x-rays indicated that he might need surgery. It took over 100 days for prison officials to take the man to a specialist. The specialist confirmed that the injury did heal improperly because of medical malpractice.
Understanding what is medical malpractice is crucial for anyone considering legal action. To successfully pursue a claim, you need to know how to prove medical malpractice in Georgia. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims to ensure your case is filed within the legal time frame.
If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your options and secure the compensation you deserve.