SPBMCC Member Eleni Coffinas Recovers $5 Million in Birth Injury Case
May 15, 2023 in Birth Injury
Eleni Coffinas obtained a settlement totaling $5 million after the plaintiff was turned away from multiple hospitals and admitted to a hospital ill-equipped to handle her delivery.
Plaintiff Taken by Ambulance to Ill-Equipped Hospital Despite Protests
On June 27, 2014, the plaintiff was at home and suffered from a cord prolapse. An ambulance arrived and took her to the closest hospital, New York Community Hospital, which was on a permanent diversion for OB/GYN cases because they did not have a labor and delivery department. They were not equipped to perform deliveries including C-sections or any immediate aftercare.
The plaintiff asked to be taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where she received all her pre-natal care but was refused. Once they arrived at New York Community Hospital, physicians put the cord back in and called various other hospitals to take the emergency case.
Baby Born with Significant Brain Damage Requiring Lifelong Care
The ambulance that first took the plaintiff to New York Community Hospital was a Maimonides Medical Center ambulance. Forty-five minutes after arriving at New York Community, its staff got the OK to take the plaintiff to Maimonides Medical Center, where she had requested to go in the first place. They performed an emergency C-Section delivery, but unfortunately, the baby was born with significant brain damage.
Member Eleni Coffinas Obtains $5 Million Settlement
Member Eleni Coffinas argued that the plaintiff should not have been taken to New York Community Hospital against her wishes. In addition, there were signs at the last prenatal visit, the day prior, that they delivering the baby the day before or the hour before would have made a profound difference int he babies life.
The baby, now 8 years old, lives in an institution that provides complete care and schooling.
The case was settled in the King’s County Supreme Court for $5 million.
Learn More About Firm Member Eleni Coffinas
Eleni Coffinas, a member of the firm, is a vigorous advocate for people injured due to medical malpractice. Her legal skills and experience have helped her clients achieve many multimillion-dollar settlements. Ms. Coffinas handles all medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries, cancer diagnosis delay, and surgical and cardiac cases. To learn more about Firm Member Eleni Coffinas, click here.