Justice for one New York medical malpractice victim

As many victims know all too well, it can be incredibly challenging to prove fault in some cases involving treatment errors. Many medical malpractice lawsuits take years to go to trial and do not necessarily end with a favorable verdict for the plaintiff, since the jury must be able to identify negligent or harmful behavior on the part of the defendant/s. One woman who survived serious medical errors may finally have some closure and to move forward with her life now that her weeks-long medical malpractice lawsuit is over.

The 34-year-old woman at the heart of the case endured 12 weeks of trial before learning that the jury would rule in her favor. After three days of deliberation, the Brooklyn, New York, jury found that the woman was the victim of medical malpractice and should receive $62 million for the trauma she endured. To account for her medical expenses, the plaintiff will receive $4 million; she is entitled to $38 million for any future pain she may experience; and the jury found the woman deserves $20 million for the pain she has already suffered as a result of being permanently disabled by the actions and negligence of the hospital and physicians identified as the defendants in the case.

Even now, the hospital responsible for caring for the plaintiff in 2009 denies any wrongdoing. During that time, the victim was admitted to the hospital to undergo a procedure to remove an ectopic pregnancy. As a result of mistakes made during and after the procedure, however, the victim developed a life-threatening infection, gangrene and blood poisoning. She ultimately sustained hearing loss and had to have both of her legs amputated below the knee.

Now that the trial is over, the plaintiff is reportedly pleased with the outcome of the case.

Source: International Business Times, “Stacey Galette Lawsuit: Double Amputee Awarded $62M After Routine Surgery Leaves Her Without Legs, Brooklyn Mom ‘Happy Justice Was Served’,” Philip Ross, Jan. 11, 2014