SEATTLE (AP) - The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed notice that it may appeal a $12.3 million verdict stemming from a 2015 operating room fire at Madigan Army Medical Center that severely burned a baby’s face.
The Seattle Times reports court documents and lawyers say the appeal could potentially prevent the family from accessing money needed for the child’s treatment.
The baby underwent surgery to remove a cyst above his eyebrow in 2015. The anesthesiologist thought the surgeon was going to use a scalpel and administered anesthesia through an oxygen mask. Instead, the surgeon tried to cauterize the cyst, creating a fireball in the elevated oxygen levels.
The government acknowledged that its doctors caused the fire and expressed regret.
The appeal notice means that the money will be withheld while lawyers decide whether to challenge the award at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
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