Vietnam Veteran Receives $12 Million Malpractice Settlement from VA Hospital

John Johnson served in combat in the US Army during the Vietnam War in 1970-71. In 2007, he was admitted to the Hines VA Hospital, 12 miles west of Chicago, for oral surgery. In preparation for the surgery, Johnson was administered anesthesia. During the surgery he suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in brain damage. Johnson filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the VA hospital alleging inadequate preparation for surgery and a failure to monitor Johnson’s heart condition after he was administered the anesthesia. The $12,000,000 will be used for medical and living expenses. The medical malpractice settlement is believed to be the largest ever against a Veterans’ Administration facility.