City of Santa Fe OKs $2.8M in case alleging injured teen was deemed dead too soon

Key Takeaways:

• The City of Santa Fe has approved a $2.8 million settlement.
• The teen was allegedly declared dead prematurely.
• The incident occurred in September 2022.
• Jerome is now completely blind and permanently incapacitated.
• The settlement highlights concerns about local emergency response protocols.

The Allegation

According to the lawsuit, the erroneous declaration of death took place in September 2022. Jerome, a local teenager from Santa Fe, was injured in an incident severe enough that he was initially believed dead. However, as the lawsuit claims, medical or emergency officials discovered he was still alive only after he had been mistakenly pronounced dead.

The Settlement

In the wake of the lawsuit, the City of Santa Fe has approved a $2.8 million settlement. Officials did not release extensive details about the legal discussions that led to this resolution, but the funding reportedly addresses the financial and medical needs arising from Jerome’s ongoing care.

The Incident and Aftermath

The legal complaint states that Jerome managed to survive his injuries but was rendered completely blind and permanently incapacitated. These life-altering consequences have sparked concerns among local residents about the protocols followed in emergency situations.

Implications for Santa Fe

Though the case is now legally settled, it has brought renewed attention to how medical or emergency personnel respond during critical incidents. The lawsuit and its significant settlement serve as a reminder of the human cost when oversight occurs. It remains to be seen whether this event will spur changes in training, procedures, or regulations within Santa Fe’s emergency response infrastructure.