$14.5M Awarded To Widower in Medical Negligence Case

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March 10th, 2008

"Bittersweet Award for Widower"

A Massachusetts jury awarded $14.5 million in damages to a widower whose wife died less than 32 hours after an elective thyroid surgery in 2001.

Shannyn MacPherson, 30, died when she developed a condition known as “abdominal compartment syndrome” after a minor surgical procedure. The condition occurs when air becomes trapped in the abdomen, and in MacPherson’s case, it resulted in uncontrollable bleeding.

The jury found two surgeon’s negligent in MacPherson’s case, but only one of the two was deemed responsible. Dr. John Ambrosino was found guilty of medical malpractice on March 3, and his insurer will have to pay the award to Brad MacPherson.

“Brad is very happy with the verdict, but it is obviously bittersweet…The jury’s decision is certainly recognition that mistakes were made,” said Rob Higgins, attorney for MacPherson.

(Source: Boston Herald)

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