Newtown Family Awarded $6.5 Million in Hospital Suit

The family of a Newtown man who died at Danbury Hospital in March 2006 will receive $6.5 million from the hospital after a verdict was delivered at Danbury Superior Court Thursday.

Jeffrey Pattison, a furniture mover whose son is a teacher at Newtown High School, had been "hallucinating and incoherent" when he was admitted to the hospital, attorneys said.

"Danbury Hospital clearly did not properly monitor Mr. Pattison and continued to administer a sodium solution despite the obvious danger that was resulting," said Sean McElligott, an attorney with Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder in Bridgeport, CT, who represented the family. Pattison died on March 16.

The jury deliberated for four hours before issuing the verdict, which attorneys say is believed to be the highest personal injury verdict from Danbury Superior Court.

In a statement, the hospital said the health care providers involved "demonstrate their commitment to providing high quality patient care each and every day."

"Many factors can contribute to a sad and unintended outcome, and all are carefully examined," said hospital spokesperson Andrea Rynn. "While we do not agree with this verdict, we understand and respect the judicial process involved."

Joshua Koskoff, who tried the case with McElligott, said Pattinson died "as a result of carelessness and negligence."

"We all hope this case will cause Danbury Hospital to amend its procedures to guard against a preventable death from ever happening again."