Silver Golub & Teitell Wins $30 Million Jury Verdict for Woman Whose Caesarean Section Went Wrong

October 11, 2024

A jury in Stamford awarded $30 million to a woman who has waited almost 10 years for justice after suffering severe, permanent injuries during what should have been a routine caesarean section in 2014. The award will rise to as much as $68 million, after pre-judgment interest.

Elizabeth Tigani, aged 32 at the time, was under the care of Westchester Medical Group when she was admitted to Greenwich Hospital to deliver her first child in the early hours of December 6, 2014. Almost 24 hours later, after a prolonged labor, she underwent a C-section, in the early hours of December 7.

The doctor’s delay in ordering a C-section and negligence in performing the operation caused Ms. Tigani to suffer severe and permanent injuries to her bladder and uterus and left her unable to bear more children.

“I am happy that the jury has brought some redress to Ms. Tigani after her horrific ordeal,” partner David Golub of Silver Golub & Teitell said. “The birth of her first child should have been a joyous occasion for Ms. Tigani and her husband. Instead, it was the beginning of a medical nightmare that left her permanently injured,” he added.

Westchester Medical Group and Dr. Sara Elias fought the case for eight years.

The trial took place over three weeks before Judge Sheila A. Ozalis in Stamford. The jury deliberated for four hours before finding the defendants negligent on October 11, awarding Ms. Tigani almost $1.4 million in economic damages and $29 million in non-economic damages. With prejudgment interest, the total award will amount to as much as $68 million.

“I am so thankful that the jury understood what I went through and did justice in this case,” Ms. Tigani said.

Along with Mr. Golub, Silver Golub & Teitell partner Sean McElligott and associate Sydney Geer represented the plaintiffs at trial.

“The jury has vindicated Ms. Tigani’s courage and her long fight. The defendants tried to dismiss her injuries, but the jury saw through those efforts,” Mr. McElligott said.

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