Coles County Jury Took Less Than Three Hours to Return the Largest Medical Malpractice Verdict in Illinois History Outside of Cook County.
Levin & Perconti, alongside Spiros Law, P.C., secured a $40 million verdict for a disabled teen and her family, marking the largest medical malpractice verdict in Illinois history outside of Cook County. The jury’s decision, returned in just under three hours, sheds light on the consequences of preventable medical errors during childbirth.
Key Takeaways
- $40 Million Verdict: Levin & Perconti achieved a historic $40 million jury award for Kiera Campbell and her family.
- Preventable Birth Injury: Kiera’s brain injuries occurred due to a delayed C-section at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
- Life-Altering Disabilities: Kiera suffers from severe cognitive impairments, but her perseverance has led her to graduate high school and hold a part-time job.
- Historic Verdict: This marks the highest reported malpractice verdict outside Cook County in Illinois.
How Did the Birth Injury Occur?
In May 2003, Kiera’s mother, Jaime Campbell, was 40 weeks pregnant when she began experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding. Doctors at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center identified a placental abruption, but the medical team failed to immediately perform an emergency C-section. This delayed intervention caused Kiera to suffer from cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and speech and developmental delays.
The Legal Case: Securing Justice for Kiera
Levin & Perconti filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital, claiming the delay in the C-section was the direct cause of Kiera’s injuries. Throughout the three-week trial, Kiera and her parents testified about the profound impact the injuries had on their family’s life. The defense had initially offered $3 million to settle, but the jury awarded $40 million in compensation.
This case highlights the importance of holding healthcare providers accountable when they fail to meet the accepted standard of care during critical medical situations, like childbirth.
The Impact of the Verdict on the Campbell Family
The $40 million verdict will cover future medical expenses, caretaking costs, and the long-term impact of Kiera’s disabilities. The jury’s decision includes:
- $20 million for future disability
- $5 million for past disability
- $4.75 million for future emotional distress
- $750,000 for past emotional distress
- $500,000 for past pain and suffering
- $5 million for future caretaking expenses
- $4 million for future lost earnings
This birth injury settlement will help cover Kiera’s lifetime care needs, including ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and specialized support services. This significant award will help the family provide Kiera with the care she needs as she continues to live with the consequences of preventable medical malpractice.
Todd Campbell, Kiera’s father, expressed gratitude:
“This verdict is a great relief for our family. We will never get what most people call normal, but we can finally put this behind us and move forward in securing our daughter’s future. We no longer have to worry about Kiera being taken care of if something ever happened to us.”
Contact Levin & Perconti for Birth Injury Legal Representation
If you believe your child’s birth injury was preventable and caused by medical negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our experienced birth injury attorneys or call (312) 332-2872 today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Media Coverage
Further Reading
Recent Major Birth Injury Victories:
- $29 Million Settlement in Birth Injury Case – Major settlement reached during trial for placental abruption case
- $20 Million Birth Injury Verdict – Child suffered preventable HIE and asphyxia injuries at birth
- $18 Million Settlement for Cerebral Palsy Case – Hospital’s failure to timely perform C-section
Understanding Birth Injuries and Medical Malpractice:
