Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Cost the City of NY $134 Million in 2012

In a case where malpractice may have occurred, contacting a medical malpractice attorney should be a top priority. 

Medical malpractice is a rising cost for the city of New York, as evidenced by the $134 million spent alone this year.  Tax payer dollars are being spent to cover the cost.  Records show that half a billion dollars have been spent in the last four years on medical mishaps in New York City’s 11 public hospitals.

The amount of $134 was calculated at the end of the fiscal year in June, and shows that the numbers are actually down from last year – which had estimates of about $135 million.  Numbers may be slightly down but cases involving medical malpractice are always disturbing.

One such case, the case of Magdalena Villalba-Carrillo, 44, demonstrates how things can go terribly wrong very quickly and how a little patience and attention from doctors can go a long way.  Villalba-Carrillo rushed to the Elmhurst Hospital emergency room on December 4, 2009, while experiencing an extreme headache. Unfortunately Villalba-Carrillo was prematurely released three days later, according to court records, when doctors failed to recognize she was experiencing a brain aneurysm.  Nine days later Magdalena suffered a brain hemorrhage on the sidewalk in Queens and had to undergo emergency surgery, which saved her life.  However, she has been in a vegetative state since the surgery and is cared for at Coler Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility.

Villalba-Carrillo’s family was able to negotiate a $4.9 million settlement with the aid of Joseph Kelly, a medical malpractice attorney who was able to help demonstrate the failure on the part of doctors involved in the case in recognizing the full extent of the situation.

How To Deal With Medical Malpractice

Not every medical malpractice case has consequences as serious as this one, but some even result in death.  In a case where malpractice may have occurred, contacting a medical malpractice attorney should be a top priority, as the statute of limitations must be taken into consideration.  Medical malpractice cases such as these are best handled by medical malpractice attorneys in the state that the event occurred, who are experienced and have superior knowledge of the laws governing the practice of medicine in that state.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical negligence, contact the St. Louis medical malpractice lawyers at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 588-7200 or filling out our online contact form.

photo credit: phanlinn