The Turkewitz Law Firm, 228 East 45th Street, New York, NY 10017  Phone: (212) 983-5900

As Published In

Medical Malpractice — Foreign Object — Failure To Remove Laparotomy Pad During Caesarean — Second Surgery

Settlement: Xxxxxx Melendez v. NYCHHC and City of New York

Date of Settlement: 7/99

Venue: Bronx Supreme

Plaintiff Attorney: Eric M. Turkewitz, Manhattan

Defendant Attorney: Cori M. LaCasa, Asst. Corp. Counsel

This action settled after a Notice of Claim was filed and a 50-H hearing was held for $125,000, plus the nonassertion of any Medicaid or Social Services liens over $3,000. Plaintiff, 38 years old, underwent a Caesarean section on 7/23/96 at Jacobi Hospital. Defendant left behind a laparotomy pad during the surgery, and it was not discovered until July 1998 when Plaintiff had a sonogram performed in connection with another pregnancy. Plaintiff claimed that the second surgery to remove the laparotomy pad caused additional scarring of the abdomen.