Sullivan Papain Secures $4.5 Million Settlement in Medical Malpractice Case
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is proud to announce a $4.5 million settlement in a medical malpractice case against the State of New York, secured by firm members Vito A. Cannavo and Frank V. Floriani. The settlement was reached on June 23, 2025, shortly after a trial date was scheduled in the New York State Court of Claims.
The decedent had been an inmate at a New York State correctional facility. Despite the inmate’s repeated complaints of swelling in his ankle, the correctional facility’s medical staff did not pursue cancer as a potential cause. A biopsy was eventually performed, confirming the presence of cancer. However, the facility’s medical negligence was further compounded when there was an inexplicable four-month delay before the inmate was transferred for surgical treatment, a below the knee amputation that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.
After his release from prison, the individual was hospitalized again, this time for severe back pain when it was discovered that the cancer had metastasized throughout his body, ultimately leading to his death.
Mr. Floriani filed a motion for a late notice of claim in the Court of Claims, which was granted without opposition by the State. The case proceeded under the jurisdiction of a judge in Binghamton, New York. Mr. Floriani conducted multiple depositions of the facility’s medical staff and retained multiple medical experts who were expected to testify at a trial regarding the substandard medical treatment the former inmate received while he was incarcerated.
Learn more about Firm Member Vito A. Cannavo
Vito A. Cannavo is a member of the firm and brings his corporate and municipal litigation experience to perfectly complement the trial skills he has developed in all areas of the Firm’s practice. A seasoned trial attorney, he has earned his outstanding reputation through hard work and dedication.
To read more about firm member Vito A. Cannavo, click here.
Learn more about Firm Member Frank V. Floriani
Frank V. Floriani is a member of the firm and leads Sullivan Papain’s Product Liability and Complex Litigation department. Mr. Floriani’s skills cross a broad legal spectrum, and he has guided an array of litigation matters, including cases involving defectively designed products, professional liability, maritime-related claims, construction site accidents, aviation disasters, railway worker claims, and toxic torts.
To read more about firm member Frank Floriani, click here.