Watch CBS News

Family Awarded $144M In Suit Against Beaumont Hospital

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - An Oakland County judge has awarded $144 million to the family of a Macomb County child who suffered birth trauma 15-years ago.

Attorney Geoffrey Fieger claims Markell Vanslembrouck was a 10 lb.-plus baby and should have been delivered by C-Section.

Instead, he said a Beaumont Hospital doctor forced a natural childbirth, causing Markell severe and permanent brain damage.

"Her injuries were the worst of any that I have ever seen that have been negligently inflicted on an innocent child, I believe in the history of the state of Michigan, or in the history of the United States," Fieger said.

Choking back tears, Markell's mother Kimberly said most of the $144 million award will go to pay for her now 15-year-old daughter's 24-hour daily care. She is in a wheel chair, not able to speak and barely able to hold up her head.

"Again, it's not about the dollars. It's about what she needs in the future," she said. "We're just so happy that somebody listened to us ... and the jurors, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts because they're helping Markell live a good life."

Beaumont claims Markell's condition is genetic and plans to appeal.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.