LAS VEGAS – The family of an aspiring actress and model who suffered brain damage after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a peanut butter cracker has been awarded nearly $ 30 million by a jury in Las Vegas.
On February 20, 2013, then-27-year-old Chantel Giacalone underwent anaphylactic shock after biting into the peanut butter pretzel while modeling clothes at a fashion show at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. .
The newspaper reported that Giacalone’s friend had brought her a frozen yoghurt and put the bite-sized cracker on top. Giacalone, who did not know it contained peanut butter, was shocked anaphylactically after taking a bite.
In a three-week civil trial, $ 29.5 million was awarded to her family when the jury found that the responding ambulance service had treated her allergic reaction negligently.
FILE – Actress Chantel Giacalone attends the world premiere of ‘Skyler’ at Laemmle’s Music Hall 3 on March 25, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Beck Starr / FilmMagic)
Giacalone is now quadriplegic, needs to be fed through a tube and can only communicate with her eyes, the newspaper reports. Jack Giacalone and his wife provide 24-hour care to their daughter.
“At least my daughter will be taken care of. I’m happy about that,” he said after reading the verdict on Friday. “All the trouble we’ve been through for the last eight years, I’m not happy. I just hope MedicWest changes their way.”
Giacalone’s lawyer, Christian Morris, said she lost oxygen to her brain for a few minutes after seeking treatment at MedicWest Ambulance, which ran the medical station that day.
Morris argued that neither of the two physicians on day IV had adrenaline, an adrenaline treatment for severe allergic reactions required by the southern Nevada Health District. According to the evidence during the trial, the requirement was determined by a task force on which the company sits.
Morris said the medics used intramuscular epinephrine instead, but IVs are needed for complete anaphylaxis.
He argued that the cost of the drug was only $ 2.42. The case claimed more than $ 60 million in damages for medical expenses and emotional distress.
“Every minute of Chantel’s life has been inextricably changed,” Morris said in the closing remarks. “Every minute since she walks into the medicine room to a business that chooses profit over patient care.”
MedicWest denied any wrongdoing, saying the result was unavoidable due to Giacalone’s increased sensitivity to peanuts. Attorney William Drury argued Giacalone never lost consciousness.
The eldest of three siblings, Giacalone, is studying at an art school in Chicago and, according to the Los Angeles newspaper, lived during her allergic reaction. She began her active career with roles in productions such as the 2009 film “The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations”, the 2015 film “Hollow Walls” and “Skyler” in 2012.
Giacalone, now 35, is expected to live to the age of 55, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Jack Giacalone told the newspaper that the money allocated to the family will be invested in her future care and a new home that is more conducive to her needs. They also want to make a donation to a foundation for people who have similar brain injuries.
This story was reported from Cincinnati. Associated Press contributed.