Five years ago, Zoraida Zambrana was diagnosed with thymic cancer, a rare cancer of the thymus gland.
Just 41 years old, Ms. Zambrana underwent three months of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the treatment did not work. Her physicians later discovered that she did not, in fact, have cancer. Ms. Zambrana’s biopsy slides had been confused with those of another patient at Richmond University Medical Center. A jury found Richmond University Medical Center liable for Ms. Zambrana’s pain and suffering and awarded her $2.5 million in damages.
Thomas Giuffra, Ms. Zambrana’s lawyer, said he was “…hopeful that Richmond University will institute procedures to ensure that something like this does not happen to another one of its patients in the future. Mrs. Zambrana is pleased with the verdict, but unfortunately no amount of money can restore her health and eliminate the trauma that she and her family sustained.” Due to the unnecessary chemotherapy, Mr. Giuffra claims Ms. Zambrana suffers from fatigue and shortness of breath. She also has lost her sense of taste. Richmond University has plans to appeal the jury verdict.
When someone is injured or dies due to a health care provider’s negligence, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the party’s right to recover.
Medical malpractice is a difficult area of law as it requires an understanding of both the legal practice and the mechanics of medicine. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue such claims.