More than $229 million was awarded to 16-year-old Erica Byrom, and her newborn in the wake of the child’s severe birth injuries at John Hopkins hospital. Health care providers allegedly gave Byrom inaccurate predictions for the fetus’s outcome, causing her misinformed decision to forgo a cesarean section at the time of delivery. The verdict includes $3.62 million in past medical expenses, $1.02 million in lost wages, $25 million in non-economic damages, and a whopping $200 million in future damages. This incredible sum makes this case the largest medical malpractice settlement in history.
More than $229 million was awarded to 16-year-old Erica Byrom, and her newborn in the wake of the child’s severe birth injuries at John Hopkins hospital. Health care providers allegedly gave Byrom inaccurate predictions for the fetus’s outcome, causing her misinformed decision to forgo a cesarean section at the time of delivery. The verdict includes $3.62 million in past medical expenses, $1.02 million in lost wages, $25 million in non-economic damages, and a whopping $200 million in future damages. This incredible sum makes this case the largest medical malpractice settlement in history.
Byrom’s pregnancy became a cause for concern when she began experiencing preeclampsia. This frightening condition causes exceptionally high blood pressure, arising after week 20 of pregnancy. Upon her diagnosis, providers informed her of their grim prognosis for her unborn child. They explained that she was likely to die or suffer neurological defects, paralysis, or blindness. A neonatologist was consulted. He confirmed the projected outcome, concluding a high probability of death or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Based on this information, Byrom decided to deny a cesarean section and opt for vaginal delivery, expecting that her child would perish in either case. However, her child did not die. Instead, her misinformed decision resulted in the baby’s condition of severe cerebral palsy.
Byrom’s attorney, Mary Koch, argued that the defendant negligently provided inaccurate information, causing the unfortunate outcome of the child. Had they given the plaintiff hope for her child’s survival, the plaintiff argued that Byrom might have chosen the safer delivery option.
Byrom was induced into labor on October 23, 2014. The next day, her child, Zubida Byrom, was born with no heart rate or respiratory effect. Zubida was immediately sent to the NICU where she was resuscitated. However, despite their efforts after the birth, the child developed severe cerebral palsy. She will never be able to walk and will be dependant upon a feeding tube.
John Hopkins hospital denied the allegations of negligence, claiming that the baby’s injury was incurred before the mother arrived at the hospital. They stand by their decisions and actions and conclude that the mother made her own choice to forgo a cesarean section.
This history-making settlement strived to bring justice to Erica Byrom and her child. The mother and daughter face a lifetime of medical challenges. However, the money won, in this case, will aid their anticipated hardships.
