Couple Awarded $19.2 Million in Fort Myers Child Injury / Medical Negligence Lawsuit : Medication Error Blamed
The Fort Myers News Press reports that a Lee County jury has awarded a Florida couple $19.2 million in a medical negligence lawsuit. The Florida injury lawsuit was brought against Lee Memorial Health System after the family's baby girl, born premature, suffered permanent neurological injuries due to a pharmaceutical error in 2007.
News reports state that the medical negligence trial in Lee Circuit Court, Florida, against Lee Memorial surrounded injuries that an infant girl suffered after receiving an overdose of nutritional supplements. The child was reportedly born premature and the amount of supplements prescribed for her was grossly in excess. The couple's attorney reported that the dosage was for a person weighing 160 pounds, not a premature baby. The child went into cardiac arrest and suffered brain hemorrhage; through she survived, she now has permanent neurological impairments including cerebral palsy.
Fort Myers, Florida child birth injury attorneys may consult to families who believe their infant's injuries were caused by medical malpractice or medical negligence. It's important to consult with an experienced Fla. child injury lawyer as soon as suspicion of medical negligence or malpractice arises, as these cases can be very complicated for lay people to understand.
While Lee Memorial admitted negligence, they denied that the overdose of vitamins and supplements caused the child's condition. In 1963, the Florida Legislature made Lee Memorial Hospital an independent special district, affording it "sovereign immunity protection." This puts a cap on liability at $100,000 per victim or $200,000 per lawsuit. News sources report it is unclear if Lee Memorial will appeal the jury's verdict or how the cap may impact the family's award. A specific bill would have to be passed by the Florida Legislature to exceed the cap.
As this case sadly demonstrates, pharmacy and/or medication errors can leave the patient with permanent disabilities -- the wrong medication or dosage can also be fatal. The child in this case faces a lifetime of challenges, as news reports state she is nearly blind and in a wheelchair as the result of her injuries. The birthing process is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but any medical procedure or stay in the hospital -- including childbirth and its aftermath -- comes with risks. A difficult birthing process, if not handled with proper medical care, may result in Erb's palsy birth injuries and other shoulder dystocia birth injuries.
Source:
Fort Myers couple awarded $19.2 million
Lee Memorial has to pay in infant overdose case, jury decides
News-Press.com Feb. 6, 2011
Related Florida Birth Injury Attorney Articles:
Florida Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Claims Childbirth Injury Caused by Faulty Practice Feb. 1, 2011
