Etel Leybovich et al v. Westchester Medical Center et al

On May 10, 2024, the New York jury returned a $ 23,300,000 verdict in favor of the wife for the wrongful death of her husband caused due to medical malpractice at Westchester Medical Center.

Case Background

On June 14, 2019, Etel Leybovich filed a medical malpractice case before the New York State, Westchester County, Supreme Court. Judge Lewis J. Lubell presided over this case. [Case number: 59089/2019]

Cause

On October 17, 2018, Jesus Espitia, aged 48 and an accountant, was admitted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. The day before, Espitia had been struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Although he initially recovered from the brain injury, he reportedly developed deep vein thrombosis in his left leg during his hospitalization. Tragically, on November 18, while still in the hospital, Espitia suffered a pulmonary embolism which led to cardiac arrest. Medical personnel managed to restore his pulse after 28 minutes. However, he was pronounced brain-dead. On December 21, he was moved to another hospital for hospice care, where he passed away on December 23. At the time of his death, Espitia left behind his wife and their two young children, aged 7 and 10. Following her husband's death, Etel Leybovich, both individually and as administrator of his estate, filed a lawsuit against Westchester Medical Center and affiliated entities. The legal action alleged negligence and sought damages related to the medical care provided to Espitia during his hospital stay.

Injury

Due to the medical malpractice committed by Defendants, Jesus Eduardo Espitia suffered severe bodily harm and endured significant pain and suffering