Philly Hospital Faces $6.8 Million Verdict in Negligence Case

A Philadelphia jury has awarded $6.8 million to the family of Thelma Stanton, a woman who died due to complications from a medical procedure at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Stanton, who was being treated for liver cancer and cirrhosis in 2020, underwent a procedure to burn a tumor on her liver. However, the equipment was improperly placed, perforating her liver and burning her stomach. Despite this, she was discharged without further examination.

Stanton returned to the hospital days later, reporting chest pain and shortness of breath, but was sent home multiple times. She was eventually diagnosed with sepsis on March 11, 2020, and remained hospitalized until her death on April 13, 2020. The lawsuit alleged negligence against the doctor and hospital, along with wrongful death and survival action claims.

The Trial and Verdict

The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas found the hospital and its staff negligent. The jury determined that Stanton’s death was preventable with proper care and timely treatment. Barry Magen of Kline & Specter PC, representing Stanton’s estate, noted, “This substantial verdict reflects the jury's appreciation of the catastrophic yet preventable injuries suffered at the hands of the defendants.”

The Law Firms Involved

The Stanton family was represented by Kline & Specter PC, a renowned firm specializing in medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. Learn more about the firm at Kline & Specter. The defense team included attorneys from O’Brien & Ryan LLP, a firm known for defending healthcare professionals and institutions. Visit their site at O’Brien & Ryan.

The case, Haslett v. Anton, underscores the critical importance of vigilance in patient care, as well as the legal repercussions of negligence in the healthcare industry.