The Biggest Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2025

Wisconsin: $29M Verdict in Birth Injury Case Against Nurse Midwife

Represented by: Goldenberg Lauricella

A Wisconsin jury awarded a record-breaking $29 million verdict in St. Croix County to a family whose child developed cerebral palsy due to medical negligence during birth. The lawsuit, led by the law firm Goldenberg Lauricella, argued that a certified nurse midwife failed to recognize and act upon significant fetal heart rate decelerations, delaying a necessary call to the on-call OB/GYN. As a result, the infant suffered prolonged oxygen deprivation, leading to permanent neurological damage. The verdict covers past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Despite the defense’s attempt to argue that the midwife’s actions did not directly cause the child’s injuries, the jury found that her failure to meet the standard of care resulted in the baby’s severe disability. The child, who now requires lifelong medical supervision, faces significant physical and cognitive limitations. Attorneys for the family emphasized the importance of holding healthcare providers accountable for preventable birth injuries, stating that the verdict will help the family secure essential medical care and resources for the child's future.

Massachusetts: $17M Verdict in Case Over Fatal Hernia Surgery

Represented by: Lubin & Meyer

A Massachusetts jury awarded $17 million to the family of a 57-year-old woman who died five days after undergoing elective hernia surgery. The lawsuit, brought against a Brigham Surgical Associates surgeon, alleged medical negligence led to a fatal bowel perforation that went undiagnosed until it was too late. Despite the surgeon’s claims that the procedure was completed without incident, expert testimony at trial demonstrated that the perforation likely occurred during surgery and not in the hours before her second hospitalization, as the defense suggested.

Key factors in the case included the surgeon’s failure to follow up on the patient’s post-operative complaints and the delegation of medical advice to an unqualified assistant. The patient, experiencing severe pain and an inability to eat, was reassured by a medical assistant rather than being evaluated by the surgeon. By the time she sought emergency care, she was in septic shock. The jury's verdict, which includes interest, reflects the severity of the negligence and the devastating impact on the patient’s family.

New Jersey: $17M Settlement Reached in Delayed C-Section Birth Injury Case

Represented by: Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP

Jenna Doucette filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan and Hackensack University Medical Center, alleging that a delayed C-section led to her daughter Shea's severe birth injuries. Jenna, diagnosed with placenta percreta, was scheduled for a C-section at 37 weeks, but she suffered a uterine rupture before the procedure. This resulted in oxygen deprivation at birth, causing Shea to develop hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. The lawsuit argued that medical negligence in scheduling the delivery contributed to these complications, while the defense maintained that their approach adhered to standard medical practices.

After extensive legal proceedings, the parties reached a $17 million settlement in January 2025. This agreement provides financial support for Shea’s lifetime medical needs, including specialized therapies and accommodations. The case highlights the risks associated with delayed C-sections in high-risk pregnancies and underscores the importance of timely medical intervention in obstetric care.

New Mexico: $16.75M Verdict in Case Over Retained Surgical Instrument

Represented by: Vigil Law Firm

A New Mexico jury awarded Michelle Torma $16.75 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit against Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Southwest Women’s Oncology. The lawsuit stemmed from a January 2019 surgery in which a 13-inch metal retractor was left inside Torma’s abdomen after the removal of a 75-pound benign tumor. The foreign object remained undetected for 58 days, causing her severe pain, nausea, anxiety, and sleep disturbances until a CT scan revealed its presence. A second surgery was required to remove the instrument, subjecting Torma to further medical risks.

The jury’s verdict included $15 million in punitive damages against Presbyterian Healthcare Services and $1.75 million in compensatory damages, holding the hospital 99% responsible. The defense argued that the error was an inadvertent mistake in a complex procedure, while Torma’s attorneys emphasized gross negligence due to a failure to adhere to standard surgical protocols. Her legal team contended that the large award was necessary to hold the hospital accountable and push for improved safety measures.

Wisconsin: $10.2M Verdict in Birth Injury Case Against Ascension

Represented by: Beam Legal Team

A Racine County jury awarded over $10.2 million to Ka’Mya Minor, a six-year-old who suffered severe brain damage at birth due to medical negligence by an Ascension doctor and nurse. The jury found that excessive administration of Pitocin, a labor-inducing drug, led to prolonged contractions that deprived Ka’Mya of oxygen before birth, causing permanent injuries, including cerebral palsy. Despite clear evidence of negligence, Ascension and its insurers refused to settle before or during trial, instead attempting to shift blame onto Ka’Mya’s mother.

Attorneys from Beam Legal Team and Martin Law Office represented Ka’Mya’s family in the three-week trial. The verdict ensures that the damages awarded will support Ka’Mya’s extensive lifelong medical needs. Trial attorney Matt Patterson emphasized the jury’s dedication to justice and criticized the corporate defendants for their refusal to accept responsibility. The ruling highlights the risks of medical mismanagement in labor and delivery and reinforces the accountability of healthcare providers in cases of preventable birth injuries.

Conclusion

The largest medical malpractice verdicts of 2025 highlight the serious consequences of medical negligence and the critical role of the legal system in securing justice for victims. As new cases emerge and courts continue to rule on complex claims, these verdicts set important precedents for patient safety and accountability.

For insight into last year's most significant medical malpractice cases, see our Top Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2024.