Sharlee Ann Smoyer was only fifty five years old when she was the victim of medical negligence that changed her life forever. Smoyer’s medical malpractice attorneys argued that a home care nurse, who was treating Smoyer for complications associated with her Crohn’s Disease, did not report a bacteria-infected catheter while caring for the plaintiff. The infection, which became quite serious and nearly killed the 55 year-old woman, led to the amputation of both legs below the knees and a finger on the left hand.
Woman Awarded $23 Million in Damage
Judge Carol McGinley oversaw seven days of testimony in the case. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found the nurse, Jolynn Yurchak, and her employer, St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Home Care, liable. The plaintiff was awarded $23 million in order to compensate for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. The plaintiff’s lawyers stated,
“Sharlee Smoyer was one of St. Luke’s most vulnerable home-care nursing patients and they refused during this trial to accept even the most basic responsibility for mistakes made in her care.”
The medical malpractice attorneys concluded,
“Ms. Smoyer hopes that the verdict will result in St. Luke’s redoubling its efforts to help prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in the home-care setting.”
Although the plaintiff was awarded an enormous amount of money, this amount is necessary to help her adjust to the drastic changes that will now shape her life.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.