Alejandro Cervantes vs. 63rd laser skin clinic, et al
Case Background
On March 17, 2021, Plaintiff Alejandro Cervantes filed a Wrongful death and Medical malpractice lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois State (Case number: 2021-L-002945). Catherine Schneider and Patricia O’Brien-Sheahan presided over this case.
Cause
In November 2019, Idalia Corcoles, a 39-year-old married mother of four from Chicago, visited the 63-Laser and Skin Clinic on the city’s southwest side for liposuction and a tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, a Michigan-based surgeon who traveled to Chicago to perform plastic surgeries, conducted the surgery. During the procedure, it became apparent that Corcoles was losing blood. Her vital signs became unstable, and her blood pressure continuously dropped. Despite these distress signals, Dr. Sayeg proceeded to perform surgery on another patient. He left Corcoles under the care of an inexperienced nurse instead of providing the necessary medical attention.
Injuries
After the surgery, Corcoles’ condition deteriorated further. Her heart rate soared above 200 for several hours. Despite this, Dr. Sayeg failed to conduct a basic abdominal examination. He reassured the anesthesiologist multiple times that Corcoles was not bleeding. Ultimately, doctors transferred her to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. There, emergency surgery revealed that she had suffered significant internal bleeding—over two liters of blood in her abdominal cavity. The medical team failed to recognize and treat the bleeding for hours, which led to massive organ failure. Despite their attempts to save her life, Corcoles died after they removed her from a ventilator. The failure to address the internal bleeding and the delay in providing proper medical care directly resulted from the plastic surgery negligence she suffered.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal representation
- Plaintiff(s): Alejandro Cervantes | Idalia Corcoles, Deceased
- Counsel for Plaintiff: Bradley M. Cosgrove | Craig J. Squillace
- Defendant(s):Doctors all | Alphaeon credit inc | Anti aging cosmetic institute | Aging anti | Birmingham cosmetic surgery | PLLC CSCFM | Dearborn medical institute | Dr. Ayoub sayeg LLC | Federal medical services | Med fusion | Med salon ltd | Michigan aesthetic associates | Michigan consulting diagnostics | Michigan cosmetic surgery | Michigan cosmetic weight | Midway cosmetic institute | MUA center LLC |Sawan M Randa, Anathesia | Sayeg plastic surgery center | 63rd laser skin clinic | 63rd medical surgical center
- Counsel for Defendants: Johnson Bell | Stacey Cischke | Andrew Everest
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
“We believe that this is the largest medical malpractice verdict in Illinois history for wrongful death,” said attorney Brad Cosgrove, with Clifford Law Offices.
“But what this verdict will mean is that he will be reported to the Illinois Department of Professional Financial Responsibility and his practices will be investigated. And, he will be subject to investigation where he will have to explain his conduct to the state licensing committee,” Cosgrove said.
Claims
The Wrongful death lawsuit claimed that Dr. Sayeg’s negligence directly caused Corcoles’ wrongful death. Despite clear signs of blood loss and declining vital signs, Dr. Sayeg failed to conduct any proper medical evaluations, opting instead to treat another patient. His actions, along with his assurances to the anesthesiologist that Corcoles was not bleeding, demonstrated gross negligence. The lawsuit also highlighted the clinic’s lack of qualified staff to manage Corcoles’ critical condition, which ultimately led to her death. The court’s verdict held Dr. Sayeg and his businesses accountable for their negligent practices, with further investigations expected by the Illinois Department of Professional Financial Responsibility.
Defense
The defense claimed that he did not act negligently during the procedure or in the aftermath of the surgery. Dr. Sayeg testified that he was unaware of the internal bleeding that occurred post-operatively. He also stated that he did not see the patient after the surgery. Despite Corcoles’ internal bleeding and deteriorating condition, he maintained that he followed standard medical procedures. He did not believe there was any immediate cause for concern. Dr. Sayeg argued that the complications Corcoles experienced after the surgery led to her cardiac arrest and eventual death. He claimed that these complications were unexpected. He also stated that they could not have been foreseen. Additionally, the defense suggested that the nurse left in charge of Corcoles was adequately trained. The nurse was trained to monitor her recovery and handle complications. The defense disputed any claims of gross negligence or misconduct.
Jury Verdict
On December 20, 2024, the jury found Dr. Ayoub Sayeg and his businesses liable for the wrongful death of Idalia Corcoles. The court awarded Corcoles’ family a total of $66 million in damages. The court granted $32 million for grief, sorrow, and mental suffering, reflecting the profound emotional toll on the family. It also awarded an additional $15 million for the loss of love, care, guidance, and companionship, acknowledging the void left by Corcoles’ untimely death. Furthermore, the jury awarded $19 million for Corcoles’ pain, suffering, and emotional distress during the final hours of her life. With post-judgment interest added, the total damages amounted to $66.262 million in wrongful death case.
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