Family of girl who needed amputations due to ER delay receive $10 million award
According to a recent medical malpractice lawsuit, two year old Malyia Jeffers was brought to the emergency room by her parents, Ryan Jeffers and Leah Yang, in November with a constant fever, skin discoloration, and weakness. The malpractice lawsuit claims that her parents begged for attentions from doctors and nurses as Malyia’s condition worsened. After five hours, Malyia was seen by a doctor and was flown to Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for lifesaving care. Doctors at that facility discovered that Streptococcus A had reached Malyia’s blood and organs and as a result her feet, her left hand and part of right hand had to be amputated.
The doctors at Stanford said that Malyia’s condition could have been related to genetics and they are unsure whether quickness would have saved her limbs. Court documents provide details of the settlement in which emergency room has agreed to pay $9 million and the other $1 million will be paid by the Emergency Physicians Medical Group. The money will be used to repay expenses already paid by the state’s health care plan and for attorney fees. The rest of the money will be used for a “special needs trust” for the girl’s needs.
When Tennessee residents and people all across the country go into the emergency room for treatment, they expect to get prompt medical attention and care. Unfortunately, many hospitals due to improper training and under staffing are unable to provide proper medical care to many emergency room patients. These delays in care and treatment can lead to more severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has had to receive additional treatment or medical care due to improper or delayed emergency room care, then you should talk to a Tennessee medical malpractice lawyer right away. They will see to it that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
