$1.3 Million Awarded in Negligence Lawsuit

The military family of an infant girl who died at Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, in 2012 reached a $1.3 million settlement with the government, ending a malpractice suit. The family had contended in the suit that Tripler medical personnel inadequately treated the baby, who entered the facility with labored breathing and an upper respiratory infection, the Associated Press reported July 7. The faulty care protocol included placing an oxygen mask that did not fit properly onto the child, who in time suffered irreversible brain damage. She died four days later. In settling the suit, the government admitted no liability or fault, the AP reported.