New York County (NY) Supreme Court
A 2-day-old infant underwent circumcision by an unsupervised second-year ObGyn resident. The resident removed a substantial portion of glans tissue. Despite 2 subsequent repair surgeries, the infant was left with a deformed penis and altered urine flow.
In suing, the plaintiff faulted the hospital for failing to adequately supervise the resident. The resident claimed it was reasonable to perform the surgery without supervision after 10 successful proctored procedures and that the result was an acceptable risk. The hospital admitted liability.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.5 million.