A U.S. Magistrate Judge awarded $6.2 million in damages to a 61-year-old man who was left permanently disabled following a procedure at the Hines Veterans Administration Medical Center. This case highlights the tragic consequences of medical malpractice and the responsibility of healthcare providers, including those in the public sector, to provide appropriate care.
Key Takeaways
- $6.2 Million Verdict: The court awarded a significant settlement to a veteran who suffered severe, life-altering injuries due to a botched medical procedure.
- Catheterization Error: The injury was caused by a mistake during a cardiac procedure when a catheter punctured the patient’s vertebral artery.
- Permanent Disabilities: The victim suffered permanent cognitive damage, requiring round-the-clock care and drastically reducing his quality of life.
- Veterans’ Rights: The case highlights the importance of quality healthcare for veterans and the consequences that result from inadequate services.
Details of the Incident at Hines Veterans Administration Medical Center
In May 2015, a 61-year-old veteran scheduled for cardiac bypass surgery at the Hines VA Medical Center suffered a catastrophic error just before the operation. During preparation, two VA doctors inserted a central line catheter into the patient’s internal jugular vein. Unfortunately, the catheter punctured the rear wall of the vein and perforated the right vertebral artery. As a result, the patient’s surgery was postponed for a week while additional procedures were performed to repair the artery.
The Permanent Consequences of the Negligent Procedure
Following the arterial repair and the delayed bypass surgery, the patient was left with severe cognitive injuries. These injuries left him in need of full-time care and deprived him of the quality of life he had hoped for during his retirement. In court, the attorneys representing the patient, AJ Thut and Daniel Goldfaden of Levin & Perconti, highlighted the devastating effects the procedure had on his life.
In their brief, they stated,Â
“Since May 2015, there is not a single pleasurable or unpleasurable aspect of life that [the client] has been able to pursue or experience… He cannot go out to a restaurant, he cannot attend parties with family and friends, and he cannot pursue normal hobbies like lifting weights or physical fitness.”
Legal Action: Suing for Justice and Compensation
Levin & Perconti filed a lawsuit against the VA and its medical staff, asserting that the two doctors involved in the procedure – one a resident on her first day of the job and the other tasked with supervising her – had failed to meet the standard of care, setting off a chain of events that resulted in the victim’s permanent disabilities.
The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $6.2 million to cover past and future medical expenses, as well as compensation for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress the patient endured.
Veterans Deserve Better Healthcare: A Call for Reform
In the aftermath of the verdict, Attorney Daniel Goldfaden stressed the importance of providing quality healthcare to veterans. He said,Â
“He was a veteran, and he made an agreement with the government that he would receive quality medical care in exchange for his service. The government didn’t honor that agreement, and our hope is that this verdict encourages improvements in the quality of veteran healthcare across the country.”
The Verdict's Significance in Medical Malpractice Law
The court acknowledged Levin & Perconti’s successful past verdicts, which were referenced in making the decision in this case. Partner Margaret Battersby Black commented,Â
“The Court’s conclusion used two of our firm’s previous high verdicts as comparators. It’s meaningful that our prior verdicts helped guide the court in its final ruling.”
Contact Levin & Perconti for Help with Your Case
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, Levin & Perconti is here to help. Our legal team has a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for victims of negligence, including veterans and individuals harmed by substandard care.
Contact Levin & Perconti today at (312) 332-2872 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
Further Reading
Recent Major Medical Malpractice Victories:
- Record $40 Million Birth Injury Verdict – Levin & Perconti’s groundbreaking verdict for a birth injury case
- $29 Million Settlement in Birth Injury Case – Major settlement reached during trial
Understanding Medical Malpractice:
- Can You Sue a Doctor for Negligence? – Essential guide to medical malpractice claims
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Take? – Timeline expectations for legal cases
