Nev. Couple Awarded $4M in Medical Malpractice Suit

A Las Vegas couple will receive $4 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit, marking the first significant verdict against a doctor since Nevada lawmakers put into effect tort reform, according to the Associated Press.

A Clark County District Court jury deliberated approximately three hours before returning the verdict for the couple, who accused a Las Vegas obstetrician and gynecologist, of causing irreversible gynecological damage to the woman during surgery five years ago. The doctor’s lawyer reportedly will appeal the verdict.

Legislators passed a bill Aug. 1 to cap pain-and-suffering damages at $350,000 in medical malpractice cases.

The doctor’s insurance provider, the St. Paul Companies of Minnesota, reportedly refused to settle the case for the physician’s policy limit of $1 million.

St. Paul halted offering liability coverage nationwide in December, noting growing jury awards and frivolous lawsuits.