Med mal: How three strikes translated to $60M

According to news reports, Dr. Ferdinand Ofodile – a New York plastic surgeon – consulted with Bronx resident Allison Hugh about having a thigh lift procedure. Unfortunately for Hugh, the doctor began committing medical malpractice right from the get-go. As they say, three strikes and you're out – or in this case, three strikes and you're liable for $60 million in medical malpractice damages. Here's what happened:

• Strike one. Dr. Ofodile never informed Hugh of the risks which are associated with this type of surgery.
• Strike two. Dr. Odofile never got Hugh's informed consent about the various aspects of the surgery.
• Strike three. Dr. Odofile failed to use proper surgical techniques during the operation, which deviated from good and acceptable medical practices.

As a result, Hugh was severely injured. The labia of her vagina is now permanently deformed and cannot be surgically corrected. She sued the doctor and a jury awarded her $60,000,000 in damages – $10,000,000 of which constituted past pain and suffering and another $50,000,000 for future pain and suffering.

Her New York medical malpractice attorney was able to prove to the jury that the doctor made numerous mistakes throughout the process, and he obviously did a very good job as the jury's decision to award Hugh $60 million was unanimous.

If you've been injured due to a doctor's medical malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.