Ratzan Weissman & Boldt represented the family of Sofia Nicole Valeriano, a 6-year-old Conway girl who suffered permanent and disabling brain injuries after being born prematurely following complications related to her mother’s undiagnosed and untreated diabetic ketoacidosis. Following a two-week trial, a Pulaski County jury unanimously found Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock and two physicians negligent and determined that their negligence caused $13.5 million in damages. The jury apportioned 30% of the fault to Baptist Health, with the remaining 70% attributed to two physicians who settled with the family before trial.
“Sofia is an engaging and adorable child, but her brain injury is permanent and disabling,” said RWB Founding Partner Stuart Ratzan.
The family’s legal team is appealing the allocation of fault, arguing that Baptist Health should be responsible for the full $13.5 million award based on the language of the jury instructions. The hospital maintains that its liability is limited to its 30% share, or $4.05 million. The appeal is now before the Arkansas Supreme Court.
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