United States Settles Medical Malpractice Claim with Vietnam Veteran for $12 Million

Chicago - December 2, 2013

This morning a Settlement Agreement in the amount of $12 million was finalized between the Estate of John I. Johnson, a disabled combat Vietnam Veteran and the United States, as representative of Hines V. A. Hospital.

John Johnson was a Vietnam Combat Veteran who served in the United States Army from 1970 – 1971. Like many of his fellow Vietnam Veterans, Mr. Johnson, upon deployment from his military service, experienced undiagnosed emotional problems which led to extensive periods of unemployment and homelessness throughout his lifetime. In recent years, John began to turn his life around to the point that he had an apartment, was seeking regular medical care at Hines V. A. Hospital and even had started a relationship with a female companion that he provided care and comfort to during her diagnoses of cancer and through his daily visits at the hospital up until the time of her death. John’s medical care at Hines V. A. Hospital included treatment for a serious heart condition that he had developed through his years of an unstable life style following his return from Vietnam. In addition to his cardiac condition, John developed multiple dental problems including periodontal disease that the dentist at Hines V. A. Hospital recommended treatment by removal of his teeth to be replaced with dentures.

Read More