$40 Million Awarded in Central Illinois Malpractice Suit
By Rob Stroud
A jury in Coles County, Illinois, have awarded $40 million to 19-year-old Kiera Campbell and her family in a medical malpractice case related to injuries she sustained during her birth at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in May 2003. This marks the highest malpractice verdict in Illinois outside of Cook County and the highest ever in Coles County. Kiera Campbell suffered severe and permanent brain injuries during her birth, which the jury found were preventable if hospital staff and a nurse had not delayed calling the doctor to perform an emergency C-section. The case was filed 15 years ago. The plaintiffs allege that when Jaime Campbell was 40 weeks pregnant, she arrived at the hospital with bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping. Although a placental abruption apparently had occurred, the plaintiffs contend that a doctor was not called until the situation was dire. As a result of the delayed delivery, the lawsuit claims, Keira Campbell suffered from a seizure disorder, mild cerebral palsy, and speech and developmental delays. Despite intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, she continues to suffer from cognitive and intellectual disabilities, including significant executive function disorder and memory deficits. The verdict includes $20 million for future disability, $5 million for past disability, $4.75 million for future emotional distress, $750,000 for past emotional distress, $500,000 for past pain and suffering, $5 million for future caretaking expenses, and $4 million for future lost earnings.
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