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Apr 8, 2008 7:34 pm US/Eastern
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Broward Teen Receives Large Malpractice Award
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
At 16 years-old Jacob Tomlian has had to overcome more than most of us have to in a lifetime, and because of his hardships, Monday he became a millionaire.
"It's unbelievable," said his mother Dora Lee Tomlian. "I can't explain how I feel right now, exhilarated."
The money is considered the largest malpractice lawsuit in Broward county history.
"I don't think it's a yes for lawyers," said Crane Johnstone, his attorney. "I think it's a yes for the jury system. I've said for years that most juries get it right most of the time."
17-years-ago Dora went into Westside Regional Hospital--back then named Humana Hospital--to give birth to Jacob. Lawyers contended that despite signs little Jacob was in distress, with his umbilical chord wrapped around his neck, the hospital staff and Jacob's doctor, waited all day to perform a c-section. The hours of oxygen deprivation created a mess of health problems, including the inability to walk.
"I don't want this to happen to anyone else out there in the world," said Jacob Tomlian.
After 14 years of motions and appeals, a five week trial, and a three day jury verdict, the waiting for justice ended Monday.
"I don't have to worry about him being taken care of anymore," said his mother. "It's what the whole case was about."
You could say it's the best gift a mother could give her son for his 17th birthday, which is just weeks away. It also happens to be Mother's Day.
Jacob will never be able to drive, nor be able to hold a job. His family is planning to use some of the money to buy him a home that is handicap accessible.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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