Verdicts and Settlements

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VERDICT/SETTLEMENT

Facts/Liability:

This was a medical negligence case arising from the mismanagement of the teenage plaintiff’s neck injury which led to permanent spinal cord damage.  Following a fall while working as a counselor at a day camp, the plaintiff was taken to the defendant hospital by ambulance in a cervical collar.  The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant radiologist negligently advised the emergency department physician that the plaintiff’s cervical MRI was normal despite the fact that she saw abnormalities on the study.  The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant emergency department physician negligently ordered the removal of the cervical collar despite the presence of highly concerning signs and symptoms and no firm diagnosis regarding their cause.  The plaintiffs alleged that the defendant pediatrician then negligently ordered physical therapy and asked the nursing staff to get the plaintiff out of bed despite ongoing deficits.  The plaintiffs alleged that the combination of the lack of a cervical collar and the movement of the patient caused the plaintiff to suffer a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia.

Injuries:

The plaintiff was paralyzed from the neck down and ventilator dependent for several weeks. However, through incredible effort and perseverance the plaintiff regained the ability to breathe and walk short distances with assistive devices.  The plaintiff continues to have significant permanent deficits.

Specials (if any):

Past Medical Bills:                                                $927,734.41

Future Medical Expenses:                                  $5,441.146.00 to $17,503,982.00

Present Value of Lost Earning Capacity:         $1,776,791.00

TOTAL SPECIAL DAMAGES:                              $8,145,671.41 to $20,208,507.41

Verdict/Settlement:

Settled with emergency department physician, pediatrician, and hospital for a confidential amount after suit but prior to trial.   The radiologist has refused to settle and that portion of the case will go to trial later this year.

Plaintiff’s Experts (if any): Confidential

Defense Experts (if any): Confidential

Plaintiff’s Counsel (please include name and firm):

Mark A. Abramson, Esquire

Kevin F. Dugan, Esquire

Jared R. Green, Esquire

Abramson, Brown & Dugan

1819 Elm Street

Manchester, NH 03104

Defense Counsel (please include name and firm): Anonymous

Insurance Carrier (if relevant): Anonymous

Name of Case/County: Anonymous

Date of Injury: 2006

Date of Verdict or Settlement: 2011

Mark Abramson
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