Family of girl who needed amputations due to ER delay receive $10 million award

According to a recent medical malpractice lawsuit, two year old Malyia Jeffers was brought to the emergency room by her parents, Ryan Jeffers and Leah Yang, in November with a constant fever, skin discoloration, and weakness. The malpractice lawsuit claims that her parents begged for attentions from doctors and nurses as Malyia’s condition worsened. After five hours, Malyia was seen by a doctor and was flown to Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for lifesaving care. Doctors at that facility discovered that Streptococcus A had reached Malyia’s blood and organs and as a result her feet, her left hand and part of right hand had to be amputated.

The doctors at Stanford said that Malyia’s condition could have been related to genetics and they are unsure whether quickness would have saved her limbs. Court documents provide details of the settlement in which emergency room has agreed to pay $9 million and the other $1 million will be paid by the Emergency Physicians Medical Group. The money will be used to repay expenses already paid by the state’s health care plan and for attorney fees. The rest of the money will be used for a “special needs trust” for the girl’s needs.

When Tennessee residents and people all across the country go into the emergency room for treatment, they expect to get prompt medical attention and care. Unfortunately, many hospitals due to improper training and under staffing are unable to provide proper medical care to many emergency room patients. These delays in care and treatment can lead to more severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has had to receive additional treatment or medical care due to improper or delayed emergency room care, then you should talk to a Tennessee medical malpractice lawyer right away. They will see to it that you get the compensation you are entitled to.