Baltimore jury's record $229M malpractice verdict may change a life -- but likely not the system

Zubida Byrom likes to watch cartoons on her iPad and frequently smiles and says “hi.”

The Prince George’s girl, now 4-and-a-half years old, likely won’t say much more, according to the family’s attorney. She likely won’t ever walk. She relies on a feeding tube.

Her family hopes the round-the-clock care by a nursing staff will be paid for with the $229.6 million a jury awarded her Monday after finding Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center liable for brain damage she suffered during birth. Her lawyers believe it’s the largest medical malpractice verdict in the United States.

Such an award from a jury is rare and is certain to be reduced, perhaps substantially, according to legal experts. And as enormous as the outcome may be for the family, the ultimate award likely won’t improve the next family’s prospects in the legal system — and it likely won’t change the way care is delivered.

Read more: https://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-medical-malpractice-doesnt-lead-to-change-20190703-story.html