Medical Malpractice – Confidential Six-Figure Settlement

At just nine years old, “Michael” was already living with enormous challenges. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delays, he required round-the-clock care. With the help of his mother and a dedicated medical team, his seizures were mostly under control — until one weekend when he suffered more than 20 seizures in a single day. His mother rushed him to Yale–New Haven Hospital.

There, doctors administered a powerful anti-seizure medication through an IV. A nurse placed the line in Michael’s left forearm, which was then covered in multiple layers of bandages. Over the next several hours, nurses documented that the IV was “patent” and functioning — but the site itself was never visually inspected. By the following morning, when Michael was transferred to the intensive care unit, it was too late.

When the wrappings were finally removed, his arm was swollen, discolored, and badly damaged from an IV infiltration injury that had gone unnoticed overnight. Emergency surgery was required to relieve the pressure and prevent tissue death. Despite intervention, Michael’s left arm was permanently impaired. Already limited by cerebral palsy, he lost additional function in that limb — no longer able to hold objects or bear weight as he once had.

Our investigation revealed multiple failures. The IV site had been obscured by excessive bandaging and not properly monitored. Nursing notes reflected hourly checks that did not match the clinical progression of the injury. Early warning signs were likely mistaken for his baseline condition. We argued that these lapses led directly to Michael’s permanent harm.

The case resolved for a confidential six-figure settlement, providing resources to support Michael’s ongoing care needs. While no settlement could restore what was lost, the outcome secured accountability for the lapses in his care and helped protect his future.

Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client privacy.