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How a Bronx Woman Won $172 Million Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

On May 28, 2014, a Bronx woman won $172 million in damages for the brain injury she experienced as a result of medical malpractice. The jury announced the verdict after a three-week-long trial over a lawsuit that alleged that the victim had not been given timely and adequate medical treatment for a seizure that resulted in severe brain injuries. The plaintiff, Tiffany Applewhite, had been a straight-A student before the incident and had been preparing to apply to Manhattan’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School.

bronx woman won 172mil med mal

On May 28, 2014, a Bronx woman won $172 million in damages for the brain injury she experienced as a result of medical malpractice. The jury announced the verdict after a three-week-long trial over a lawsuit that alleged that the victim had not been given timely and adequate medical treatment for a seizure that resulted in severe brain injuries. The plaintiff, Tiffany Applewhite, had been a straight-A student before the incident and had been preparing to apply to Manhattan’s prestigious Stuyvesant High School.

How the Tragic Incident Happened

Applewhite, 12, had been a bright child before suffering severe life-changing brain injuries in 1998 that left her paralyzed and unable to speak. She wears diapers, is attached to a feeding tube, and can only be moved around in a wheelchair. Her lawyer said that Tiffany is trapped in her own body because the ambulance that came to her rescue was not equipped with critical life support facilities.

In 1998, a home nurse gave Tiffany a steroid injection for an eye condition called uveitis. Tiffany underwent a seizure – an anaphylactic shock – and then a cardiac arrest after being administered the injection. Her mother immediately called 911, and two EMTs were dispatched to her aid.

However, when the ambulance arrived, it was equipped with only basic life support equipment, and there was no sign of a defibrillator, epinephrine, or oxygen. It also lacked arrangements for backup assistance. One EMT started CPR while the other called for advanced life support (ALS) ambulance. 

During the wait for the ALS, Tiffany’s condition started to worsen, and her mother begged the EMTs to take her to Montefiore Hospital, which was only a few minutes away. But her pleas were sidelined, and the EMTs continued CPR until the ALS ambulance arrived 20 minutes later. They then administered epinephrine and shifted Tiffany to Montefiore Hospital.

Tiffany’s case was initially brushed under the rug when the New State Supreme Court stated that it could not be proven that the City was liable for the injuries. But the Applewhites appealed the decision, and the case went to trial where it was found that the City disciplined the two EMTs for their actions. After this finding, the City offered a moderate compensation to Tiffany which her family rejected. While the City lawyers dismissed the case, the jury revised its decisions and awarded $172 million to the Applewhites.

The City said it planned to appeal the decision, stating that while the case is tragic, the verdict is not in accordance with the law. The verdict was announced one week after NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio ordered a review of the City’s emergency response.

The Legal Aspect

Victims of medical malpractice and negligence often have to face severely life-altering consequences of someone else’s negligent actions. If you have been a victim of such malpractice in NYC, you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer to file a medical malpractice lawsuit

An experienced medical malpractice attorney will file a strong lawsuit, gather evidence, and present your case skillfully in court. With the right medical negligence lawyer, your chances of getting reasonable compensation for your damages will be higher. 

For a free review of your case, call Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP today at 212-344-1000 or contact us online.

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20:49 18 May 23
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Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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