Stamford, CT — A Connecticut jury awarded $30 million to Elizabeth Tigani for permanent injuries she sustained during a botched cesarean section at Greenwich Hospital in 2014. With the addition of prejudgment interest, the total compensation amounts to approximately $68 million.
Representing the plaintiff, attorneys David Golub and Sean McElligott of Silver Teitel & Golub, brought forth the case against Westchester Medical Group P.C. and Dr. Sara B. Elias. The legal proceedings revealed that during the December 7, 2014 operation, Dr. Elias incorrectly performed the cesarean section, resulting in severe injuries to Tigani’s bladder and uterus.
According to McElligott, the surgical error involved improper handling during the procedure, which not only caused a severe laceration to Tigani’s uterus but also severely damaged her bladder. This mishap in surgical judgment led to the baby being delivered through a torn area, rather than the intended uterine incision.
The consequences of this medical mistake left Tigani unable to conceive more children naturally and with lasting bladder issues, requiring ongoing medical treatment and adaptations in her daily life. These developments have prompted discussions about the often-underrecognized impact of maternal injuries during childbirth, particularly when the infant is unharmed.
During the trial, Golub emphasized the need for legal advocacy in cases where childbirth injuries to the mother are severe but overshadowed by the health of the baby. He pointed out a significant gap in legal pursuits under such circumstances, underscoring the seriousness of Tigani’s sustained injuries.
In a poignant courtroom testimony, McElligott shared, Elizabeth Tigani detailed the extended challenges and emotional struggles following her experience, including the decision to grow her family through surrogacy. The costs associated with surrogacy, nearly $383,000, formed a crucial part of the damages sought during the trial.
Furthermore, the trial delved into societal attitudes toward birth injuries, with McEllighott commenting on the need for greater awareness and responsibility in medical practices to avoid preventable harm to mothers during childbirth.
Golub remarked on the public support that followed the jury’s decision, highlighting the broader community’s recognition of the ordeal Tigani endured. According to him, the case not only spotlighted the individual suffering but also raised critical awareness about the implications of medical oversights during labor.
The defense did not settle the case prior to trial, reportedly underestimating the extent of Tigani’s injuries. As a result, the $18 million in interest was added to the damages awarded due to the elapsed time from the incident to the verdict.
As the case concludes, the defendants have sought additional time to challenge the verdict, although significant legal hurdles remain. The outcome of this case marks a significant judgment in the realm of medical malpractice and maternity care, with potential implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.