The Las Vegas family received $ 29.5 million in case of an allergic reaction

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Jury awards $ 29.5 million to the family of a woman whose brain was damaged after being treated for a severe allergic reaction by an ambulance service in Las Vegas in 2013.

Chantel Giacalone, 27, went into anaphylactic shock after biting a peanut butter strap in Las Vegas to hold a convention, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Friday.

Giacalone’s lawyer, Christian Morris, said he lost oxygen to his brain for a period of minutes after seeking treatment at MedicWest Ambulance, which ran the drug station that day.

Morris argued in a civil lawsuit that MedicWest Ambulance negligently treated his allergic reaction.

He argued that neither of the two on-site doctors that day had epinephrine IV, an adrenaline treatment for severe allergic reactions required by the Southern Nevada health district. According to the witness during a three-week trial, the requirement was set by a working group where the company is located.

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Morris said doctors deployed intramuscular epinephrine, but IV is required for complete anaphylaxis.

He argued that the cost of the drug was only $ 2.42. The lawsuit sought more than $ 60 million in damages for medical expenses and emotional suffering.

MedicWest denied any harm and said the result was inevitable due to Giacalone’s increased sensitivity to peanuts. Prosecutor William Drury argued that Giacalone never lost consciousness.

“At least my daughter will be taken care of. “I’m happy about that,” Father Jack Giacalone said after reading the verdict on Friday.