A 13-year-old female sued for medical malpractice after being hospitalized and treated under Defendant-hospital's care. Defendant's radiologists failed to recognize an abnormality in Plaintiff's x-rays, which developed into a debilitating illness and eventually paraplegia below the waist. The jury found that Plaintiff's injuries were caused by medical negligence.
Settlement: $7,600,000. Breakdown: $6,400,000 for lost wages and costs associated with medical and attendant care that Plaintiff will require in her life; $1,200,000 for pain and suffering. California's medical malpractice law caps these damages at $250,000, therefore, Plaintiff will collect $6,670,000 if the verdict stands. It is unclear whether Defendant will appeal.
Hairston v. Regents
