$650,000 Jury Verdict for Medical Negligence in Amputation of Minor’s Finger

In a case being reported with a confidentiality agreement, Doe, age 15, developed a mass on the bone of her left middle finger, for which orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ronald Hillock recommended surgery.

During the outpatient procedure, Dr. Hillock used a latex Penrose drain to place a tourniquet around Doe’s finger. While in the recovery room, a nurse noted that Doe’s finger looked discolored; however, Hillock discharged Doe.

Doe had several follow-up appointments with Dr. Hillock in the next few weeks but the finger remained discolored. Doe consulted a different doctor about 30 days after the surgery. That physician diagnosed ischemia and later performed a finger amputation.

Doe sued Dr. Hillock and his medical practice, alleging that Dr. Hillock had negligently performed the surgery in that he placed the tourniquet too tightly around Doe’s finger. Doe also alleged that the physician chose not to ascertain why her finger remained discolored or admit her to a hospital for a consultation with a vascular surgeon.

The jury entered its verdict for $650,000, which the judge reduced to about $370,200 under the state’s damages cap. Posttrial motions are pending.

Doe v. Hillock, No. 13-A-675517-C (Nev. Dist. Ct. Clark County)

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling medical malpractice cases for individuals and families who have been injured or killed by the negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years, in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including River Forest, Lake Forest, Park Forest, Forest Park, Crestwood, Calumet City, South Holland, Barrington, Inverness, Naperville, Elgin, Joliet, Hickory Hills, Summit, Chicago (Rogers Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Andersonville, Albany Park, South Shore, East Side), Schaumburg, Schiller Park, Sauk Village, Countryside and Libertyville, Ill.