Case Conclusion Date: September 24, 2003
Practice Area: Birth Injury
Outcome: $85 million Dollar Jury Verdict
Description: This was a medical malpractice case involving a newborn. Andrew Leyvas was born normal but became jaundiced shortly after birth. Although his doctor and the hospital were aware of his condition, they did not conduct basic blood testing to determine the level of bilirubin in Andrew's blood. (Bilirubin is the toxin which causes the yellow coloration in the skin that is commonly referred to as "jaundice.") As a result, Andrew developed kernicterus resulting in cerebral palsy. Andrew sustained severe visual and auditory damage as well as cognitive deficits. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns which is completely reversible if promptly treated. Failure to do so can result in severe cognitive and sensory injuries including death.