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Thursday, June 21, 2012

$77 Million Awarded in Birth Injury Lawsuit - HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

I am sure you have seen newspaper headlines that have read astronomical verdicts for medical malpractice cases in recent years.  $40 Million, 77 Million...even verdicts that exceed $100 Million.  This has led many of you to think "How is that possible?", "I'll get injured if it means I can get that kind of money", or "that's unfair.".     It's important to point out a few important facts and variables regarding these cases. 

First, anyone who is severely injured enough to warrant a high verdict would trade all the money to have their health back.   Ask any paraplegic what he would give to be able to walk again. 

Second, here is a sample breakdown of a recent birth injury verdict:
The jury in this case returned a huge verdict of $77 Million to be apportioned as follows:
  • $3 million for past pain and suffering
  • $6.1 million for future medical costs
  • $40 million for future cost of custodial and residential care
  • $3.1 million for future cost of rehabilitation
  • $20 million for future pain and suffering
  • $4.9 million for future lost earnings

5 comments:

Mike said...

Getting severely injured is an arduous situation, especially for the casualty. Hence, it is important that they be given proper compensation for the damages. In these cases, getting a good personal injury lawyer is the best action to begin with. They can definitely help the injured party get what that they truly deserve.

Mike Clark

Javier Hoppes said...

If the astronomical value of verdicts for medical malpractice comes as a surprise, it should be clear that a good lawyer is important, if ever you become a victim of medical malpractice yourself. Getting over injuries caused by medical malpractice is not easy. You have to recover from both physical and emotional pain. That’s why they award these cases with that much money, because the victims totally deserve it.

Unknown said...

When I first read the title to this,I really wanted to know how it was possible. Thank you for breaking down the financial payout because I was raking my brain for all of the possibilities. Birth injuries diverse this type of pay out. It basically covers all of the cost of suffering to a life that has barely started. I feel that the payout was a little excessive, but deserving.

Collin Deck said...

The mother and her baby must be treated well by the medical staff. We’re talking about two people’s lives here and their future condition, which will depend heavily on the med staff. So, if the mom and the baby ever suffer problems or complications from medical malpractice during birth, or even after, it is just right that you make a birth injury claim.

Ethan Rehman said...

Newborn babies are very delicate and they need utmost care. If I remember correctly, a baby’s skull is not fused together until they are 5 or 6 years old. That is why supporting the baby’s head is important. And if a baby suffers an injury during birth; it is only right that the parents are compensated for the future for the child’s welfare.