According to the New York Daily News, the city has paid $134 million in medical malpractice settlements so far this year.
One case involved a woman who had gone into labor and was being treated at Queens Hospital Center. Despite the baby’s heart rate dropping from 120 beats per minute to 90 bpm, which reduced oxygen to the brain, medical staff failed to perform a caesarean section.
Instead, the mother continued to push for a couple of hours, which then led to an increase in heartbeat. The baby ended up suffering seizures, and a CT scan of the brain indicated bleeding and a fracture to the skull. The child is permanently disabled, and the mother received a settlement of $5.3 million.
Another case involved a 44-year-old woman who was released from Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens after complaining of a severe headache. Doctors did not recognize an aneurysm, and she suffered a brain hemorrhage several days later. She is now in a vegetative state. That case resulted in a $4.9 million settlement.
Eleven hospitals in the city are involved in these settlements. A lack of proper equipment, failure to recognize an emergency situation, and other acts may lead to severe injuries.
Contacting a Bronx Med Mal Attorney
If you or someone you love was a victim of medical negligence, contact a Bronx Med Mal attorney from the law firm of Gacovino, Lake & Associates at 1-800-246-4878. You may be entitled to compensation to cover damages.
