$12.3MM Verdict
Porter v United States
After a bench trial, a federal judge awarded $12.3 million against Madigan Army Medical Center after they burned a baby’s face during surgery. The baby was just 13 months old at the time of the surgery.
The baby’s young parents were living near Joint Base Lewis-McChord where the baby’s father was stationed. Their baby was being treated at Madigan for a benign cyst. The baby underwent surgery at Madigan to remove the cyst. During surgery, Madigan physicians failed to properly use an electrocautery device while providing oxygen by mask. They ignited a fire on the baby’s face.
The baby was airlifted from Madigan to Harborview Hospital in critical condition, with third and second degree burns to his face. The baby underwent multiple skin graft operations and burn treatments.
The case was tried by Gemma Zanowski and Jeremy Johnston.