$25M jury verdict against Rhode Island Hospital
By News Staff
The Associated Press
A jury has delivered a $25.6 million verdict against Rhode Island Hospital in the largest negligence verdict ever in Rhode Island.
The Providence hospital acknowledged that several doctors and nurses were negligent in caring for an Exeter man who went there in 2009 after hitting his head, and who left with permanent, debilitating injuries.
The hospital acknowledged before trial that its staff misdiagnosed Carl Beauchamp, failed to check on him and missed signs that his condition was worsening.
Jurors were asked only to decide on an award.
The jury on April 29 awarded Beauchamp $15 million for pain and suffering and $5.6 million for medical expenses. His wife was awarded $5 million.
In a written statement, the hospital expressed sorrow and said it does not plan to appeal:
“Words cannot express our sorrow and regret to the patient and his family. We thank the jury for their attentiveness and service in deciding this difficult matter. In 2009, after this incident occurred, Rhode Island Hospital undertook a complete review of its policies and procedures and made modifications where necessary to prevent this sort of tragic event from happening again.”
(C) WLNE-TV 2015
