$15.4 Million Jury Verdict in Negligent Administration of Excessive Propofol

Maria Ocasio had an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a hospital. While under anesthesia, she suffered sedation-induced respiratory depression and hypoxia, which led to cardiopulmonary arrest and catastrophic brain damage that left her in a vegetative state.

Ocasio’s estate sued Meriden-Wallingford Anesthesia Group P.C. and the estate of a treating employee physician, alleging that the doctor and a CRNA improperly administered an excessive amount of propofol to Ocasio and chose not to treat her hypoxia, properly monitor her vital signs and finally resuscitate her.

Propofol is an intravenous sedative and anesthetic primarily used for inducing and maintaining anesthesia during surgical procedures and for providing sedation for critically ill patients. The use of propofol carries risks of side effects like hypotension, respiratory depression, and with prolonged use, something called a propofol infusion syndrome.

After considering the evidence in the case, the jury signed a verdict for $15.4 million.

The attorneys handling this matter for Ocasio were Erik Siegal and Matthew Blumenthal.

Nieves v. Meriden-Wallingford Anesthesia Group, P.C., No. NNH-CV17-6073811-S (Conn. Jud. Dist. New Haven).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling cases involving negligence in surgery, negligence in anesthesia use, and hospital negligence cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 49 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Northbrook, Bannockburn, Highwood, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Addison, Villa Park, River Forest, Chicago (Lower West Side, Little Village, West Garfield Park, Park West, Streeterville, South Loop, Uptown, Rogers Park, West Ridge, Edgewater), Morton Grove, Niles and Des Plaines, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.