A jury in Volusia County, Florida awarded a woman $10 million in a birth injury lawsuit brought against EVAC ambulance service for the premature birth of her son, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
According to court documents, Margarita Chess was six months pregnant when, in labor, she arrived at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach. The Medical Center could not admit the woman, and attempted to transfer her to Halifax Medical Center. Halifax did not admit Chess either, and instead, EVAC was called to transport her to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.
Chess’ son was born in the ambulance and though paramedics performed CPR, the infant was deprived of oxygen.
The hospitals and doctors involved settled with Chess for $1.4 million, but EVAC opted to go to trial. The jury found EVAC responsible and ordered the company to pay $8.6 million.
Mark O’Keefe, an EVAC spokesman, said “EVAC Paramedics have to care for the tragic consequences of illness and injury everyday. We stand behind our paramedics and intend to appeal this verdict.”
If you or your child was injured in the birthing process, you may be entitled to some form of financial compensation. For a professional and realistic evaluation of your case, please contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130.
