Maine Mother's Daughters Death in Leukemia Case Leaves $25m Verdict, Hope for Justice and Closure
A jury in Maine has delivered a massive verdict of $25 million in favor of Lyndsey Sutherland, the mother who lost her 15-year-old daughter Jasmine "Jazzy" Vincent to leukemia after being misdiagnosed with a steroid-related condition. The hefty award not only compensates for Jazzy's wrongful death but also provides $15 million for pain and suffering.
The verdict was announced on Thursday, following a trial that began on Monday, in which Sutherland testified about the anguish she endured while fighting for justice. Her attorney, Meryl Poulin, stated that while the verdict could be appealed due to Maine state law caps wrongful death damages at $750,000, it sends a clear message that medical providers must meet minimum standards of care.
Sutherland's relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to her daughter's memory, as Jazzy was initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia and later gynecomastia, a condition often linked to steroid use in men. However, it was later revealed that Jazzy died from cardiac arrest caused by acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common pediatric cancer.
The jury sided with Sutherland after hearing about the mistakes made by Mid Coast Medical Group, which initially misdiagnosed Jazzy's symptoms and delayed her proper treatment. The group's attorneys argued that medical personnel make many decisions daily, and honest mistakes should not be punished. However, Poulin believes that the verdict holds them accountable for their negligence.
In a statement to the Guardian, Poulin expressed her gratitude for the jury's decision, saying it will bring some peace and closure to Sutherland. "There are so many words to capture the impact of this result," she added. "Watching Lyndsey continue to push year after year, uphill, against the odds, to get justice for her daughter was beyond inspiring."
The verdict marks a significant victory in the fight for patient rights and accountability in medical malpractice cases. As Poulin put it, "I hope that this verdict will finally bring some peace and closure for the tragic loss of this beautiful, innocent 15-year-old girl."
A jury in Maine has delivered a massive verdict of $25 million in favor of Lyndsey Sutherland, the mother who lost her 15-year-old daughter Jasmine "Jazzy" Vincent to leukemia after being misdiagnosed with a steroid-related condition. The hefty award not only compensates for Jazzy's wrongful death but also provides $15 million for pain and suffering.
The verdict was announced on Thursday, following a trial that began on Monday, in which Sutherland testified about the anguish she endured while fighting for justice. Her attorney, Meryl Poulin, stated that while the verdict could be appealed due to Maine state law caps wrongful death damages at $750,000, it sends a clear message that medical providers must meet minimum standards of care.
Sutherland's relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to her daughter's memory, as Jazzy was initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia and later gynecomastia, a condition often linked to steroid use in men. However, it was later revealed that Jazzy died from cardiac arrest caused by acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common pediatric cancer.
The jury sided with Sutherland after hearing about the mistakes made by Mid Coast Medical Group, which initially misdiagnosed Jazzy's symptoms and delayed her proper treatment. The group's attorneys argued that medical personnel make many decisions daily, and honest mistakes should not be punished. However, Poulin believes that the verdict holds them accountable for their negligence.
In a statement to the Guardian, Poulin expressed her gratitude for the jury's decision, saying it will bring some peace and closure to Sutherland. "There are so many words to capture the impact of this result," she added. "Watching Lyndsey continue to push year after year, uphill, against the odds, to get justice for her daughter was beyond inspiring."
The verdict marks a significant victory in the fight for patient rights and accountability in medical malpractice cases. As Poulin put it, "I hope that this verdict will finally bring some peace and closure for the tragic loss of this beautiful, innocent 15-year-old girl."
This verdict is a huge slap on the face to the medical system, especially Mid Coast Medical Group. I mean, who can afford $25 million? It's like they're saying that money talks, and if you mess up, you'll be paid out to shut you down. 
But seriously, this should be about holding them accountable for their negligence, not just slapping a big number on the table. We need real change here, not just a fancy verdict. 
. The fact that Mid Coast Medical Group got away with such a massive payout just because they can appeal it later doesn't sit well with me. I mean, $25 million for one kid's death? That's crazy 
And this case shows that sometimes, it takes a mom's relentless pursuit of justice to make someone take responsibility for their actions.
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i'm so grateful that justice was served for lyndsey & jazzy's family they didn't deserve to go thru all that 
their story is like a reminder that ppl gotta be held accountable 4 their actions in the medical field 
i'm so happy for lyndsey's bravery & her daughter jazzy's memory lives on thru this 
. The fact that they're trying to downplay the mistake by saying "honest mistakes happen" isn't gonna cut it in my book 
. This verdict should set a precedent for others who've gone through similar trauma, that there's accountability and justice to be had 
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$25m is like a whole new life for Lyndsey & her fam, it's so just that they're getting compensated for Jazzy's passing. i feel so bad for them, losing their lil one to leukemia is just heartbreaking 
but now at least they can breathe a sigh of relief & know that someone is gonna hold those medical ppl accountable 4 there mistakes 
mid coast medical group is def gonna have 2 answer 4 this 
can't wait 2 c what happens next 
. It's crazy that they thought "honest mistakes" should be excused... no way! 
This verdict sends a message that we need to hold these people accountable for their actions. 
15 years old dying from leukemia is just not fair 
. I mean can you imagine having to relive that kind of pain and anguish over and over again? 
. And I have to say, I'm a bit frustrated that Maine state law caps wrongful death damages at $750,000 
- shouldn't they be able to provide more support for families like Sutherland's? 
. I just hope it brings some peace and closure to Sutherland, who deserves nothing but justice for her beautiful daughter 
.
4 patients & families who deserve better care 
" - It's amazing to see how Lyndsey Sutherland's relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to her daughter Jazzy's memory. The massive $25 million verdict sends a clear message that medical providers must meet minimum standards of care and hold themselves accountable for their negligence 
.
$25 million is a crazy amount, I'm not sure if it's worth it tbh. Like, I get that Lyndsey Sutherland went through hell, but is it really fair to make Mid Coast Medical Group pay out so much? It feels like they're being punished for one mistake... 
!