Condell wrongful death verdict upheld
A $7.5 million judgment against Advocate Condell Medical Center and a pair of doctors has been approved by the state Supreme Court.
Waukegan attorney Michael Schostok said a Lake County judge on Tuesday ordered the money paid to the estate of Andrew Muno, a 12-year-old boy who died during surgery.
Schosktok said Andrew, who lived with his parents in Wildwood, was taken to Condell for minor surgery to repair a cut on his arm Dec. 14, 1999.
The boy developed breathing problems after being given an antibiotic he was allergic to, but Dr. Andrew Kontrick did the surgery despite the problems.
The respiratory difficulties became more severe after the surgery ended, Schostok said, and the boy died.
Andrew's parents, Barton and Darlene Muno, sued Condell, Konttrick, anesthesiologist Dr. Dale Gordon and Lake County Anesthesiologists, Ltd.
On Feb. 17, 2006, a jury awarded the Munos $7.5 million for the wrongful death of their son, and Gordon and the anesthesiologist corporation appealed.
Schostok said the 2nd District Appellate Court in Elgin denied the appeal June 28 of this year, and the state Supreme Court declined to review that ruling Nov. 26.
On Tuesday, Lake County Circuit Judge Raymond McKoski affirmed the verdict and ordered payment of the award.