Clifford Law Offices Settles Case for Brain-Damaged Chicago boy for $54 Million Annuity
Press Release, 03/21/2002Clifford Law Offices settled a case today (Thursday, March 21) for a sum that will yield a four-year-old Chicago boy $54 million in an annuity over the course of his lifetime.
Robert Clifford and partners Jeffrey Kroll and Susan Capra attained the settlement on behalf of Joseph Santoro-Cotton of Chicago’s northwest side. He was born at Resurrection Hospital Feb. 4, 1998, following a delivery where doctors were negligent in failing to perform a timely cesearean section
Joseph’s parents, Gina and Joseph Sr., are Cook County Sheriff’s police officers. Gina, who was past her delivery due date, was in labor more than 24 hours before doctors performed a vaginal delivery, knowing that Gina’s pelvis was too small to allow to do so safely.
"Joey should have led a normal, happy life, but instead the negligence of doctors who knew better has led him to a life of constant care," Clifford said. "This settlement will allow him to have the attention and care that he will require over the next six decades."
Joey suffered permanent brain damage and requires round-the-clock care to feed and take care of him. He is unable to speak but a few words.
"The lack of communication between the doctors, residents and nurses turned a routine labor into a parent’s worst nightmare," Kroll said. "Joey’s permanent disability and injuries were preventable and it is a tragedy that a newborn infant and his family must carry this burden over a lifetime."Joey is expected to live a normal lifespan of 71 years old."
