Hospital HallwayOur nationally known founding attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, recently announced that a Wayne County jury returned a verdict late Monday, August 28, 2017 awarding $40 million against the Detroit Medical Center (DMC).

The jury sat in the courtroom of Judge Annette J. Berry, listening for two weeks to arguments from Attorney Fieger and the legal representatives from the DMC regarding the tragic death of Terrea Holly. Holly was a 26-year-old college student who had begun to experience shortness of breath and many signs and symptoms of classic pulmonary embolism (a blockage of a major blood vessel in the lung, usually by a blood clot).

During the case, the jury heard the fact that the DMC advertises itself as the place to go if people are feeling short of breath because it is a symptom of pulmonary embolism. If not treated with simple blood thinners, the condition can kill.

Instead of conducting tests, the emergency room at the Detroit Receiving Hospital sent Holly home, telling her she had a virus. That night, the clots related to pulmonary embolism worsened, and Holly returned to the hospital by ambulance the next morning. At that point, however, her breathing had stopped, and the doctors were unable to save her.

Holly and her family were represented by our skilled attorney, who stated afterward that the defense of DMC was “mind-boggling.” Instead of admitting to their mistake, the DMC fought the allegations of medical negligence. The lawyers defending DMC argued that Holly was obese, African American, and it was “reasonable” to send her home despite the symptoms she was exhibiting. They concluded that because Holly was heavy, she would never get a job and the household services she rendered to her family while living at home were “worthless.”

The jury deliberated after the closing statements for less than 3 hours, awarding $40 million to Holly’s family. She is survived by Dushon Watkins, her mother; Joseph Watkins, her father; and Tiarra Watkins, her sister.

If you or a loved one were injured by the negligence or carelessness of a medical professional, don’t hesitate to call us. Our skilled Southfield medical malpractice attorneys can help. Medical professionals should be held accountable for any negligence on their part that led to severe injury or wrongful death. Fieger Law is dedicated to achieving justice for those who can’t fight for themselves. Our firm’s founder, Geoffrey Fieger, is a renowned trial lawyer who has consistently played a role on the national stage by helping people live safer and freer lives. He has spent nearly 50 years securing the largest personal injury and medical malpractice verdicts in U.S. history. Let us see what we can do for you and your family.