Florida Legal Information Blog
After reading about this case, I thought it important to share and praise those that worked on it. Excellent work by the attorneys.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A Palm Beach County jury awarded $100 million to a young boy and his family after a failed circumcision left the child permanently injured. The procedure was performed by a former doctor who had lost his medical license just days before the surgery.
While the verdict acknowledges the devastating harm caused and holds the doctor accountable, obtaining the full compensation presents a significant challenge. In Florida, high-dollar verdicts often make headlines, but actually collecting the money is another battle—especially when the defendant lacks financial resources or insurance.
Skilled Legal Advocacy, But Financial Recovery Remains Uncertain
The attorneys who handled this case did an outstanding job, thoroughly investigating the doctor’s history, presenting compelling evidence, and ensuring the jury understood the life-altering consequences of the malpractice. Their legal expertise and determination resulted in a substantial verdict, holding the doctor accountable for his actions.
However, securing a judgment and successfully recovering the awarded amount are two different matters. If a defendant lacks assets or insurance coverage, even the best legal team may struggle to collect the full sum. In this case, the doctor did not appear in court and reportedly has no significant assets, making financial recovery an uphill battle.
Challenges in Collecting Large Verdicts
Florida has seen numerous multimillion-dollar personal injury and medical malpractice verdicts, but collecting on these awards can be complicated. The ability to recover depends on several key factors:
- Defendant’s Financial Resources – If the responsible party lacks assets or carries insufficient insurance, collecting the full amount may be impossible. Many doctors have malpractice insurance, but coverage limits are often far lower than jury awards.
- Identifying Additional Liable Parties – Sometimes, hospitals, clinics, or other medical institutions can be held responsible if they failed to prevent a negligent doctor from practicing. Proving institutional negligence can be complex but is sometimes necessary for financial recovery.
- Legal Collection Strategies – Attorneys can attempt to uncover hidden assets, garnish wages, or place liens on property, but if the defendant is financially insolvent, these efforts may yield little.
- Negotiated Settlements – If the defendant or their insurer offers structured settlements or partial payments, attorneys may negotiate to secure at least some compensation for the victim.
How Attorneys Work to Maximize Recovery
The legal team in this case continues to explore every possible avenue for collection, ensuring the family has the best chance at financial recovery. Experienced attorneys take several steps to improve the likelihood of obtaining compensation, including:
- Investigating Assets – Conducting thorough searches for properties, business interests, and financial accounts that could be used to satisfy the judgment.
- Pursuing Third-Party Liability – Determining whether other entities, such as a hospital or clinic, played a role in enabling the malpractice.
- Exploring Alternative Compensation – Looking into state victim compensation funds or other legal avenues when a defendant lacks the means to pay.
- Enforcing the Judgment – Taking legal action if the defendant attempts to hide or shield assets.
A Verdict That Seeks Change
While financial recovery remains uncertain, the attorneys in this case achieved a major victory in holding a negligent doctor accountable. Their relentless efforts helped expose serious regulatory failures and bring attention to a flawed system that allowed this doctor to continue practicing despite a troubling history.
The family’s pursuit of justice was not only for their child but to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others. Their determination to see this case through reflects a deep commitment to protecting the community and advocating for necessary reforms.
“This case is about accountability and making sure no other family has to endure this pain,” the boy’s father stated.
Although large verdicts do not always translate into full financial recovery, experienced attorneys provide victims with the best possible chance at justice. This case highlights the need for greater oversight in the medical field while reinforcing the importance of strong legal advocacy in the fight for accountability.