According to an announcement from another state, Illinois residents may be interested to know that the U.S. government plans to pay $1.3 million to a family whose baby died at a military hospital three years ago. The 4-month-old baby was suffering from labored breathing and also a respiratory infection according to the case presented for hospital negligence. She was admitted into the emergency room on October 18, 2012, after she had been suffering for several days from her ailments.
The lawsuit states that the hospital was negligent in not providing an oxygen mask that fit the infant’s face properly. The mask given to the baby limited her ability to take in the much needed oxygen. On October 22, 2012, her parents removed life support measures after they were told that she had severe brain damage.
According to the lawsuit, the baby suffered a great deal of physical pain, discomfort, emotional distress and injuries. The Assistant U.S. Attorney in charge of the case says that by paying the settlement the government is admitting no fault or liability. There was no immediate comment from the hospital.
Although the settlement is awaiting the final approval from the Justice Department, it looks like this case will not go to trial this October. The lawyer of the parents who filed the suit for hospital negligence declined to comment on the case until it has reached the final approval. Illinois residents who are suffering a loss from hospital negligence may wish to speak to an attorney who can assist in filing a suit in the courts.
Source: wspa.com, “$1.3 million settlement in infant death at military hospital”, Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, July 6, 2015