On Monday, a $1.3 million settlement was reached between the U.S. government and the family of the baby who died while undergoing treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2012, according to an Associated Press report.
The baby, Rachael Reynolds, was brought to the emergency department in October of 2012, when she was 4 months old, for treatment of breathing issues and an upper respiratory infection. Due to severe, irreversible brain injury, which the Reynolds family claims stemmed from the hospital’s negligence, Rachael was taken off life support 4 days after her arrival at the hospital.
After her death, Rachael’s parents filed a lawsuit against the hospital for negligence, alleging that the baby experienced “great physical pain, suffering, discomfort, emotional injuries and distress.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Yee said the government admits no liability or fault by settling, according to the Associated Press.
Generally, medical malpractice settlements are confidential. However, information can be made public when a government institution is involved.