According to The New York Daily News, on January 15 a jury awarded a Brooklyn woman who lost both legs and most of her hearing following a botched gynecological procedure at a Long Island hospital $62 million.
The woman, Stacey Galette, 34, went to Winthrop University Hospital for laparoscopic removal of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) and ended up becoming a double amputee.
A jury awarded Galette $20 million for past pain and suffering, $38 million for future pain and suffering and another $4 million with interest for medical expenses.
In her malpractice lawsuit, Galette, a single mother, alleged doctors of puncturing her intestine during the routine procedure in October 2009. That puncture allegedly triggered an infection and led to blood poisoning and gangrene.
Three days after she left the hospital, Galette returned and doctors had to amputate her lower legs. Aside from the hospital, doctors Paul Byrne, Frederic Moon and Cynthia Fretwell, who treated Galette, were named in the lawsuit.
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Surgical errors can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering, as well as the loss of enjoyment. These mistakes are often associated with infection, disfigurement, disability and even the wrongful death of a patient. Doctors and healthcare facilities have a duty to protect patients.
We urge you to contact our Bergen County injury attorneys if a medical professional has injured you and his or her negligence has interrupted your life. Contact us toll free at (800) 711-5258 to schedule a free initial consultation or complete the form on this page to let us review your case.
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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. – Rockland County Injury Lawyers
KGG’s Corner: A Johns Hopkins University study found that about 4,000 “never events” occur during surgeries in the U.S. each year.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/jury-awards-62-million-brooklyn-mom-article-1.1575800