ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A jury in Bernalillo County awarded over $40 million to a local family in a landmark medical negligence case. The verdict came in favor of Samantha and Patrick Leonard, whose son suffered permanent brain damage due to undiagnosed hypoglycemia.
The case, Samantha Leonard, et al. v. Presbyterian Healthcare Services Inc., et al., focused on events that began in April 2019. The Leonards’ son was born three weeks premature at Presbyterian Hospital. Staff failed to test his blood sugar within the first 24 hours, despite hospital protocols requiring it for preterm infants.
The infant was discharged after two days without glucose monitoring. A week later, he showed signs of illness—fussiness, fever, and poor feeding. On the eighth day, he experienced seizures and respiratory failure. Only then did medical staff check his blood sugar and discover dangerously low levels.
The jury found two physicians and two nurses responsible. Their conduct was described as “reckless or wanton,” violating care standards. Judge Denise Barela-Shepherd presided over the case in the Second Judicial District Court.
The child now lives with developmental delays, sensory disorders, and vision problems. His condition will require lifelong care.
Jurors awarded nearly $25 million for the child’s future needs. They also granted $825,000 to the parents. Punitive damages against Presbyterian totaled $15 million, pushing the final award beyond $40 million.
Curtis & Co., the family’s legal team, emphasized the broader impact. They said the case should push Presbyterian to improve safety practices and ensure protocols are followed.
In a statement, the family expressed hope that no other child suffers the same fate. They called for accountability and better systems to protect vulnerable newborns.
Presbyterian Healthcare Services called the verdict “excessive.” The hospital plans to challenge the ruling and pursue legal options to reduce the award. It also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care.
Details were originally shared by Olivier Uyttebrouck, Albuquerque Journal, N.M. via : Yahoo! News
