Although 2024 has not yet ended, there have been a number of significant verdicts across the country demonstrating that juries are not afraid to hold hospitals and healthcare providers accountable for their medical malpractice. Here are some of the largest medical malpractice verdicts across the country this year:
In Michigan, a woman was presented to a hospital to deliver her baby, but hospital staff improperly delayed a C-section. As a result of the delay, the baby suffered permanent injuries, which will require care for the rest of the child's life. The jury awarded $120 million.
In Illinois, a woman presented to her doctors for the delivery of twins. After the first twin was delivered uneventfully, the second baby suffered birth injuries from lack of oxygen and suffered a brain bleed, which led to the removal of part of her brain. The injuries were caused by the medical provider's failure to deliver the second child appropriately. The jury awarded $75.8 million.
In Georgia, a woman developed an infection after she was bitten by a donkey. The woman was in a nursing home, and despite evidence that she was developing an infection in her arm and leg, the doctor did not contact a surgeon for almost a week. As a result of the improper delay, the woman's arm and leg were amputated. The jury awarded $47 million.
In Tennessee, a baby suffered permanent injuries due to the medical providers' mismanagement of the mother's labor and delivery. Due to these injuries, the child requires around-the-clock care. The jury awarded $46.9 million.
In Pennsylvania, a teenage boy was hospitalized after being shot in the neck. Hospital staff failed to appropriately test his swallowing. When he was discharged, the boy was sent home with improper instructions, and he choked, leading to permanent brain damage. He now requires 24/7 care. The jury awarded $44.9 million.
In Illinois, a man suffered a stroke after his blood thinner was mismanaged by his medical team. The jury awarded $41 million.
In Illinois, a patient was presented to a hospital with signs of a placental abruption. Hospital staff did not call a doctor in a timely manner, delaying a C-section. As a result, the baby was born with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and seizures. The jury awarded $40 million.
In Illinois, a patient presented to his doctor with symptoms suggestive of a potential stroke. These were treated inappropriately, and about a month later, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, causing permanent injuries and disabilities. The jury awarded $39.9 million.
In New Jersey, a child was born and sustained a stroke shortly before birth as a result of the mismanagement of Pitocin by the hospital team. The child, who is now 15 years old, has significant injuries. The jury awarded $37.5 million.
In Maryland, a 23-week pregnant woman presented with abdominal cramps and lower back pain, and the team diagnosed her improperly with a potential placental abruption and delivered the baby via C-section without the patient's consent. Due to the improper early delivery, the baby had a permanent brain injury. The jury awarded $33.9 million.
These verdicts, which do not represent all the awards made to deserving families and individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of medical negligence, demonstrate that juries across the country recognize the fair value of injuries.
