A DuPage County jury has awarded $11.5 million to a Bolingbrook woman who lost her unborn baby and her small intestine because of negligence by staff at Edward Hospital in Naperville, the woman's attorney said today.
Sabine Miller, 30, had been taken to the hospital on the evening of Nov. 30, 2004 with abdominal pains. She was 14 weeks pregnant at the time and admitted to the post-partum unit, where nurses failed to monitor her deteriorating condition and that of her unborn baby, her attorney Bob Strelecky said.
Miller, a native of Austria, told medical personnel that she had a prior medical condition; when she was 4 years old, she suffered a twisted intestine.
It took several hours and her losing consciousness for medical personnel to move her to the intensive care unit. By then, her small intestine was beyond saving and her baby was dead, Strelecky said.
Miller had a small intestine transplant months later at Northwestern Memorial Hospital but is expected to face severe medical challenges for the rest of her life, including a number of risk factors if she were to try to get pregnant again, her attorney said.
"With all the risk factors, the risks are too great to have a natural child," said Strelecky, adding that his client and her husband Daniel are considering adoption and surrogacy.
In a statement from Edward Hospital, a spokesman said "we are disappointed with the verdict, but continue to respect the jury system. Edward is committed to providing the finest care to all of its patients. We wish the best for Sabine and Daniel Miller."
Since her transplant, Miller has served as an advocate in support of other transplant recipients. She participated in the 20th U.S. Transplant Games in Madison, Wis. Last year, she spoke at the national conference of the American Federation for Medical Research in Washington D.C.
In a written statement, Miller said: "I would like to thank the jury for their time and thoughtful consideration during the weeks of my trial. We feel that justice was done and it was possible because the jurors were attentive and cared about following the law in the case... I have worked hard to get to get myself better will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I also am committed to continuing my efforts in support of others who are recovering from organ transplantation."
Miller is to be awarded $10.5 million for her past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of normal life, her attorney said. An additional $1 million was awarded for the loss of her baby.
-- Serena Maria Daniels
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