Largest Medical Malpractice Settlements in Georgia: Top 4 Verdicts

Medical malpractice cases are serious legal matters that can result in significant financial compensation for victims and their families. Georgia has seen several record-breaking verdicts in malpractice cases with malpractice attorneys, often reflecting the severity of injuries or wrongful deaths caused by medical negligence. These large settlements demonstrate medical professionals’ and institutions’ legal responsibility toward their patients.

$77 Million Verdict for Discharged Patient’s Death

One of the largest malpractice verdicts in Georgia was awarded to the family of a man who died after being discharged from an addiction treatment center. The patient, who had bipolar disorder and a history of substance abuse, was managing his condition with medication. However, a doctor at the MARR Addiction Treatment Center discontinued his lithium, despite warnings from his family and therapist. Days after his release, he was found dead on Interstate 85 with no illegal substances in his system. A Georgia jury awarded his family $77 million, including $10 million for pain and suffering, $55 million for the value of his life, $1 million in punitive damages, and the remainder for legal fees.

$37 Million Verdict for Child’s Death Due to Drug Reaction

In another tragic case, a three-year-old boy receiving treatment for Burkitt Lymphoma at Augusta University Medical Center suffered a fatal reaction to the drug Allopurinol. He developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a severe skin condition, but the physicians failed to recognize the symptoms and continued administering the drug. This oversight led to the boy’s death. His family was awarded $37 million, which included $22 million for the value of his life, $10 million for his pain and suffering, and $5 million for his parents’ emotional distress.

$75 Million Verdict for Stroke Malpractice

A case involving a delayed stroke diagnosis resulted in a $75 million verdict. A patient suffered a brainstem stroke and was left paralyzed after doctors delayed diagnosing and treating his condition. Attorneys argued that the negligence of the emergency room physician and radiologist, who were found to be 60% and 40% responsible respectively, led to the patient developing “locked-in syndrome,” a condition where the patient is conscious but unable to move. The jury awarded the patient $46 million in damages and $29 million in medical expenses.

$26 Million Verdict for Delayed Post-Surgical Care

A Muscogee County jury awarded $26 million to a patient who suffered catastrophic brain injuries after a routine neck surgery at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus. The patient developed a post-operative neck hematoma, which blocked her airway and deprived her brain of oxygen. Although admitted to the ICU, the patient was not seen by a doctor until several hours later.

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