Generally when a resident of Pennsylvania seeks the assistance of a medical provider it is because they are hurt or ill. The expected result is that they will be no worse after the treatment than they were when they sought help. While in theory, this is often how it works, when a medical provider is negligent or makes a mistake, the reality can be very different. In these circumstances, it may be in the best interest of the injured patient or their families to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the individuals or entities responsible for the injury.

Though medical malpractice cases are often long and complicated, when successful, the award usually makes it worth it. This is illustrated in a hospital negligence jury verdict recently rendered in a neighboring state for the failure to diagnose a medical condition. A woman who sustained brain damage was awarded one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts that state has seen. The jury awarded a total of $120 million.

The circumstances surrounding the lawsuit began in 2004 when the woman developed a skin disorder described as rare. Though she sought assistance from three separate hospitals, none were able to render a timely diagnosis. As a result, the woman sustained brain damage.

The woman's family filed a lawsuit against the three different medical providers. In it, the family alleged that the brain damage was a result of the staff and doctors failing to properly medicate her in a timely manner.

Sadly, there is nothing that can be done to undo the brain damage the woman sustained as a result of the illness. The money should however, help alleviate some of the financial strain associated with her treatment.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "Jury orders hospitals to pay $120m to NYC woman," Associated Press, May 26, 2012