VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A jury awarded a Volusia County woman $10 million after finding the EVAC ambulance service negligent in the premature birth of a boy, now 6 years old and suffering with cerebral palsy.
Margarita Chess was just over 6 months pregnant, when, in labor, she arrived at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach.
Halifax Medical Center didn’t take her and instead, EVAC was called to transport Chess to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.
The baby was born in the ambulance and though paramedics did CPR, the infant was deprived of oxygen.
The hospitals and doctors settled with Chess for $1.4 million but EVAC went to trial and, according to the jury, is responsible for $8.6 million.
EVAC spokesman Mark O’Keefe said “EVAC Paramedics have to care for the tragic consequences of illness and injury everyday. We stand behind our paramedics and intend to appeal this verdict.”
Republished with permission from WESH.com