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Medical Malpractice Extravasation Of Calcium From An Iv Site On Infant Scarring And Limitation Of Motion

Settlement: Xxxxx Williams, indiv. and as p/n/g of Xxxxx Williams v. NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation 15026/84

Date of Settlement 9/22/00

Venue: Bronx Supreme Court

Plaintiff Attorney: Eric M. Turkewitz, Manhattan

Defendant Attorney: Lisa M. Mediodia, Asst. Corp. Counsel

This action settled after jury selection for $400,000. On 2/17/84, Plaintiff, a 3-day old infant, underwent the IV administration of calcium into his ankle at Jacobi Hospital. Plaintiff claimed that the calcium extravasated, resulting in chemical burns and necessitated a 1-month hospitalization. At the time of trial, Plaintiff had scars more than half way around the ankle, and claimed that he had some limitation of motion in the ankle. Plaintiff also complained of pain in the ankle when he engaged in sports, and claimed that the ankle tightened up, necessitating rest before he could continue. Defendant contended that although the injury was likely to be permanent, there had been good recovery and the problem was basically cosmetic, requiring plastic surgery. No offer originally, $150,000 prior to jury selection; demand: $650,000.