$8 Million Settlement in Medical Malpractice Case Involving a Child

Romanucci & Blandin, LLC  announces an $8 million settlement of a lawsuit involving a medical malpractice injury to a young girl in the Chicago area beginning in 2010.  The settlement was mediated by the Honorable William E. Gomolinski of ADR Systems. Judge Gomolinski, who has had a successful 11-year career on the bench and 21 years as an attorney, is highly regarded for his ability to resolve complex cases. The settlement includes confidentiality language which prevents the naming of both plaintiff and defendant.

The plaintiff, who is now 14 years old, was born with a mild form of Hirschsprung’s disease, which affects the nerve cells in the large intestine and affects a baby’s ability to pass stool.  Following a standard surgery shortly after birth to cure the disease, the child was able to function fairly normally until being treated by the defendant physician in 2010.  The defendant performed an unindicated, experimental surgery using a transanal approach.  This approach led to multiple attempted revision surgeries, infections, and the minor plaintiff using a colostomy bag to pass her bowel movements over the last 10 years.  Her quality of life has been meaningfully diminished because of the defendant physician and her health and well-being will be impacted for the rest of her life.  

The defendant argued that the surgery was within the standard of care. Defendant also argued that the minor plaintiff could have yet another colostomy surgery in recent years to try and remedy the situation.

“The decisions by this physician were clearly not in the best interest of this young patient and caused significant pain, suffering, inconvenience and medical expense. There is no way to change those circumstances now, but this settlement is some form of justice for this girl as she tries to move forward with her life,” said Founding Partner Stephan D. Blandin of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC. “We are grateful for Judge Gomolinski for his skill and leadership in mediating this unfortunate case.” 

The plaintiff was also represented by R&B's Joseph E. Kolar and others.