$62M FOR VIC
Hosp must pay for loss of legs, hearing
A BROOKLYN mom who lost both legs and most of her hearing after a botched gynecological procedure at a Long Island hospital was awarded a stunning $62 million Friday.
It was vindication for 34-year-old Stacey Galette, who had gone to Winthrop University Hospital for laparoscopic removal of an ectopic pregnancy — and wound up an amputee.
“I’m just happy justice was served,” the wheelchair-bound woman said. “I’m not able to walk.”
Galette’s father, Evan Romulus, thanked the lawyers following the jury’s decision.
“We got a lot of people praying with us for this day. In the end, God gave us victory.”
The jury — after three days of deliberation — awarded Galette $20 million for past pain and suffering, $38 million for future pain and suffering, and another $4 million with interest for medical expenses.
“We knew mistakes had been made,” said juror Miriam Beyer, 37, of Greenpoint. “Our main issue was who’s responsible and how much money do you put on the loss of enjoyment of life, on the loss of a limb.”
Another juror, David Torres, 30, of Bushwick said, “It was a really hard decision, but she is well-deserving of this.”
A representative for the hospital in the Brooklyn Supreme Court said it will appeal the ruling and the amount of the damages.
Galette, a divorced mother of a 13-yearold daughter, accused doctors at the prestigious hospital in Mineola of puncturing her intestine during the normally routine procedure. That triggered an infection and led to blood poisoning and gangrene.
Three days after Galette was discharged in excruciating pain, she returned to the hospital where doctors amputated her lower legs.
“This verdict demonstrates that our system of civil justice works for victims, particularly those who suffer horrible injuries through no fault of their own,” said Sanford Rubenstein, Galette’s lawyer.
Galette’s other lawyer, Ira Newman, added: “The jury did the right thing by rendering a verdict that will take care of this young lady for the rest of her life. If she could turn the clock back, she would do it in a heartbeat.”
Doctors Paul Byrne, Frederic Moon and Cynthia Fretwell, who treated Galette, were named in the medical malpractice suit.
When the Daily News ran a front-page story about Galette’s heartbreaking situation last year, the hospital’s lawyers asked the judge to declare a mistrial.
They argued that Galette should be thankful the doctors were able to save her life. The judge said no.