$20 million verdict after liposuction death
A Pennsylvania jury has awarded $20 million to the family of an 18-year-old Newtown Square, PA, woman who died after a liposuction procedure.
The verdict came seven years ago to the day after Amy Fledderman had the cosmetic surgery that led to her death, according to a report by NBC-10 in Philadelphia.
The jury heard five weeks of testimony about Fledderman's death, who was an honors student at Pennsylvaina State University. In May 2001, she sought liposuction on her legs, stomach, and under her chin from King of Prussia, PA, plastic surgeon Richard Glunk, MD.
According to information presented by the plaintiff's attorney during the trial, Glunk's ambulatory surgical center was not licensed by the state for that type of liposuction procedure. During the surgery, Glunk hit a blood vessel but waited for 2½ hours to call for an ambulance, according to court records. Two days after surgery, Fledderman died of a fat embolism.
The defendant stated publicly that he will appeal and claimed there were many inaccuracies presented in court. In particular, the defendant said, he did not believe he needed a state license for his facility.
A Pennsylvania jury has awarded $20 million to the family of an 18-year-old Newtown Square, PA, woman who died after a liposuction procedure.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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