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Virginia Beach $1.95 Million for Death Case

A circuit court judge in Virginia Beach judge has upheld a $1.95 million jury verdict awarded in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed over the wrongful death of a mother who died after plastic surgery. 
 
Maritess Lopez, a 36-year-old mother of four, died after receiving a “mommy makeover” on July 30, 2008.  Dr. Matthew Galumbeck performed multiple procedures, including a breast lift and augmentation, liposuction and a tummy tuck. One hour after the surgery, Ms.  Lopez was sent home despite trouble breathing in post-op. 
 
After leaving the surgery center, Ms. Lopez began to feel dizzy.  She developed a fever and experienced more breathing problems. Ms. Lopez’s sister called a nurse to report her condition, but no one followed up.  That night, Ms. Lopez was found unresponsive in her bed. An autopsy showed that less than two days after returning home, Mrs. Lopez died of aspiration pneumonia. 
 
The family was awarded the maximum amount allowable settlement for their claim.  After the decision, the attorney for Dr. Matthew Galumbeck filed a motion to set aside the verdict. But, Circuit Judge Edward W. Hanson Jr. denied that motion.
 
The medical malpractice settlement money will go to Ms. Lopez’s children.

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