$1,350,000 STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE - FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT "STEAL SYNDROME" IN DIABETIC FINGER AMPUTATIONS

Bernice Singleton v. Sha Moallem, M.D. 15004/93 Date of Settlement 6/16/94, Queens Supreme

Pltf. Atty: Robert A. Hyman of Law Office of Hyman & Platt, P.C., Tarrytown

This medical malpractice action settled after depositions for a structured settlement of $1,350,000 which had a present cost of $815,911. Pltf., a 61-year-old diabetic with kidney failure, was admitted to Jamaica Hospital on 12/20/92 for formation of an A-V graft for dialysis access in her left arm. Deft. Dr. Moallem, a vascular surgeon, performed the surgery and provided her with aftercare. Pltf. claimed that after the surgery, she developed "steal syndrome," in which the blood flow to the hand and fingers was diverted and the fingers became gangrenous. As a result, the graft was removed.

Pltf. contended that Deft. negligently ignored the signs and symptoms of steal syndrome, and failed to timely diagnose and treat it. Pltf. underwent the amputation of two fingers of the left (dominant) hand. She claimed that she sustained a loss of use of her arm. She also claimed that Deft. failed to timely remove the graft. Pltf. remained n the hospital until 3/17/93. Deft.'s Insurance: Medical Liability Mutual Insurance ($1,000,000 policy).

AS PUBLISHED IN THE NEW YORK JURY VERDICT REPORTER (XII/27-34)