$1.5 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement for Failure to Treat Jaundice
March 2009The University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center, Dr. Arvind Shukla and Midwest Neoped Associates, Ltd., agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a medical malpractice lawsuit that alleged they failed to properly treat high bilirubin levels in a newborn resulting in permanent hearing loss. Chicago personal injury and medical malpractice attorney, Barry Chafetz, partner at the Corboy & Demetrio law firm, represented the infant and her family.
Failure to Treat Jaundice Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Born a twin and premature, a baby girl remained in the hospital for several weeks after her birth. While still in the hospital, she developed jaundice as a result of an elevated bilirubin level. She was placed under the bililight to bring down the level. Her condition stabilized but despite increasing signs of jaundice, no follow-up testing was done until two days later, when her mother demanded it. The bilirubin level at that time was 29, three times the normal level. She required two exchange transfusions of blood to bring her bilirubin down to an acceptable level.
She suffers from permanent auditory neuropathy, or hearing loss, in one ear. She also has speech problems as a result of her hearing deficits.
Plaintiff contended that the medical providers deviated from the standard of care in failing to get a follow-up bilirubin level and in failing to identify the increasing jaundice.
Attorney Chafetz stated:
The infant's bilirubin level of 29 was horrific for a premature baby of only 1200 grams. An infant, especially a premature one, who develops an elevated bilirubin level must be monitored very closely to make sure the level returns to a normal range so that further medical problems can be avoided. That was not done here and as a result, the child has a serious hearing loss.
This settlement allows the family to provide her with the necessary support and services she will continue to need.
The University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center, Dr. Arvind Shukla and Midwest Neoped Associates, Ltd., agreed to pay the entire $1.5 million settlement.
Experienced and Successful Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Barry Chafetz is a successful and highly regarded medical malpractice attorney who has secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for medical malpractice cases including birth injury cases due to jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia and high bilrubin levels. He secured a $7.75 million settlement for the family of an boy who now suffers from cerebral palsy and developmental delays as a result of not being properly monitored or treated for high levels of bilirubin. In a birth injury lawsuit where an infant suffered permanent injuries during delivery, resulting in limitation in both arms and the need for a ventilator while sleeping, Barry secured a $20 million settlement. He secured a $10.9 million verdict - which was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court - where delivery was unnecessarily delayed resulting in serious injuries to the infant. His most recent verdict of $6 million against an anesthesiologist for negligently causing the death of a 46 year-old wife and mother of 4 boys, was the largest jury verdict in Lake County, Illinois, for the wrongful death of an adult. In the last two years alone, Barry has secured over $40 million in medical malpractice lawsuit verdicts and settlements.
About Corboy & Demetrio Law Firm
Named as a Top Law Firm by Chicago Magazine in 2008, Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier law firms. The Chicago law firm represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice. That dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients. The Chicago based firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained more than 500 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million.
