Wisconsin Parents Win $11.4 Million in Malpractice Suit

A Wisconsin jury has awarded the parents of a brain-damaged boy $11.4 million in a medical malpractice case.

Chad and Amy Jelinek of Eastman claimed in a 2006 lawsuit that negligent care by a nurse and nurse midwife at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse resulted in brain injuries to their son Laine during his birth in 2005.

A Crawford County jury sided with the Jelineks on Oct. 17 after a three-week trial. The Jelineks’ attorney, Jeff Goldberg, says the money is barely compensation but should improve Laine’s life.

The hospital issued a statement saying it believes the care was appropriate.