Meningitis Misdiagnosis Lawsuit Results in $28.5M Verdict

A Florida jury awarded $28.45 million to the mother of a boy who was permanently disabled after doctors failed to diagnose that he had meningitis. 

The complaint was filed by Fedeline Normil, the mother of 6 year-old Dens Pierre, against Dr. Jeane Uy Go and Dr. Maria Alva.

Dr. Go and Dr. Alva saw Dens Pierre when his mother took him to the hospital as an infant in 2006, because he was suffering from a high fever. However, the family alleges that the doctors failed to heed spinal tap test results that showed the child had meningitis, delaying treatment and causing Pierre to suffer a massive stroke that caused damage to most of the left side of his brain.

Bacterial meningitis attacks the spinal chord and brain, causing inflammation and swelling. As a result of the misdiagnosis, Pierre has been left with extensive damage that has left him unable to talk or progress much beyond that of an 18-month old for the rest of his life.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis is crucial to avoiding permanent injury or even death in some cases. It can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.

Following trial, a Palm Beach County jury determined that Dr. Go was 75% responsible and should pay about $21.3 million. Dr. Alva was found to be 25% responsible, making her responsible for $7.1 million of the verdict. However, Palm Beach Post reports that Dr. Go has no medical malpractice insurance. In addition, a Florida cap on non-economic damages will substantially reduce the final payout to the family.