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Chicago hospital faces $18.5M verdict for boy's disabilities

Posted September 27, 2018 7:00 am

The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - A jury has awarded $18.5 million to the family of a northwestern Indiana boy who a lawsuit claims was born with disabilities after doctors at a Chicago hospital prescribed inappropriate medication to his mother.

The Cook County court lawsuit says Charles Muhammad of Merrillville was born in 2006 with a buildup of fluid in the brain, spina bifida and other permanent impairments. The Chicago Tribune reports the lawsuit blames doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for prescribing the drug Depakote to his mother before and during her pregnancy to treat mental illness.

Northwestern spokesman Christopher King declined to comment on the verdict.

Muhammad family attorney Marvin Brustin says Charles is now 12 but has the mental capacity of a 5- or a 6-year-old. Brustin says Charles will have lifelong medical bills.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com

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