The Biggest Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2024
Last year, many significant verdicts were awarded to victims of medical malpractice in the US. These multi-million dollar results are critical when it comes to holding medical providers accountable for their actions. Without aggressive litigators willing to pursue medical malpractice claims on behalf of victims and their families, all of us would face lower quality, potentially dangerous care. Keep in mind that these cases are challenging because they are highly technical and require juries to make decisions based on specific medical standards. However, with the support of a dedicated medical malpractice lawyer, it is possible to win verdicts that can provide relief for injured victims and their families – even when they face life-altering injuries.
Without further ado, here are five of the top medical malpractice jury verdicts from 2024.
- $412 Million verdict in New Mexico erectile dysfunction claim
- $120 Million verdict in Michigan birth injury claim
- $75.8 Million verdict in Illinois birth injury claim
- $66 Million verdict in Illinois wrongful death liposuction claim
- $47 Million verdict in Tennessee birth injury
1. $412 million verdict in New Mexico erectile dysfunction claim
In 2017, a 66-year-old man sought medical treatment for fatigue and weight loss at the NuMale Medical Center. The facility misdiagnosed his condition and subjected him to unnecessary medical treatment, including harmful injections for erectile dysfunction. According to the plaintiff’s attorneys, NuMale was running “
In November of 2024, the jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages that totaled $412 million, making it the largest medical malpractice award in the US.
2. $120 million verdict in Michigan birth injury case
A jury returned a $120 million verdict for the family of a now 13-year-old boy who suffers from severe brain damage because doctors delayed performing a medically necessary cesarean section on his mother. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs because it covered some of the costs related to the boy’s extensive needs. The verdict will allow the family to afford in-home care for the boy, which he will require for the rest of his life.
3. $75.8 million verdict in Illinois birth injury claim
A jury awarded a family $75 million against the University of Chicago Hospital for an incident that occurred in 2018. A mother was in labor with twins, and the second baby was not in the correct position. The medical team attempted to reposition her but applied pressure on her hand instead of her foot. As a result of the mishandled procedure, the infant was born with brain damage, arm fractures, and nerve injuries, and some of her injuries are permanent. The verdict will help cover the extensive costs related to her life-long care requirements.
4. $66 million verdict in Illinois wrongful death liposuction claim
A 39-year-old woman underwent liposuction and a tummy tuck but experienced complications postoperative, resulting in her death. The woman’s family filed a lawsuit, alleging that the medical providers’ post-operative care was negligent and that they offered inadequate monitoring. In December of 2024, the jury found in favor of the plaintiffs and awarded $32 million for their grief and suffering, $15 million for loss of companionship, and $19 million for the victim’s pain and emotional distress for a total award of $66 million.
5. $47 million birth injury verdict marks the largest ever in Tennessee
A baby girl born in 2018 at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown continues to suffer from cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delays, and permanent brain damage. According to the complaint, the medical staff failed to act when they identified signs of fetal distress when the girl’s mother was pregnant with her. The delay in necessary interventions resulted in severe birth injuries, and the infant was born “lifeless, limp, gray in color, and not breathing.” The family filed a suit against the obstetrician, Tennessee Women’s Care, and St. Thomas Midtown. Tennessee Women’s Care and the obstetrician settled, but the trial proceeded against St. Thomas Midtown. The jury found St. Thomas Midtown 75% at fault and the obstetrician 25% at fault, meaning the hospital is responsible for paying $35 million in damages out of the total $47 million – which is a record-setting award for Tennessee.
Verdicts send a powerful message
These verdicts show that medical malpractice claims continue to break records around the country. With the support of an aggressive, dedicated attorney, individuals injured because of negligent medical care can fight back and win – even against large hospitals with their own team of legal representatives. The verdicts also promote safer medical care for everyone in the country.
Contact the skilled attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy today
If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of medical malpractice or another form of personal injury in Maryland, call Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. Our compassionate lawyers are ready to listen to you. Call us or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice, and assists victims of personal injury, car accidents and medical malpractice throughout the state. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.