Med-Mal Cap victim - Boy is Blind and Brain Damaged
Will the drive for Medical Malpractice Tort Reform Caps victimize more people?
Twelve-year-old San Diego resident Steven Olsen is blind and brain damaged because, as a jury ruled, he was a victim of medical negligence when he was two years old. Under the family's managed care plan, the hospital pumped Steven up with steroids and sent him away with a growing brain abscess, although his parents had asked for a CAT scan. The next day, Steven Olsen came back to the hospital comatose. At trial, medical experts testified that had he received the $800 CAT scan, which would have detected a growing brain mass, he would have his sight and be perfectly healthy today. In 2001, Steven had 74 doctor visits, 164 physical and speech therapy appointments, and three trips to the emergency room. Steven's mother Kathy had to leave her job because caring for Steven is a full time job. She struggles constantly with the school district for Steven to receive special education classes. One day, Steven ate part of a light bulb, not an uncommon problem for children with brain injuries. He has to be watched constantly.
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