Judge Approves Settlement Against Children's Hospital LA
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge approved a sealed settlement for a child who suffered a severe brain injury during leukemia treatment.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Children’s Health
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jerrold Abeles approved a medical malpractice settlement between Children's Hospital Los Angeles and a young patient. The agreement includes a lifetime care package for the boy, who suffered a hypoxic brain injury in 2025.
Why it matters
The lawsuit centered on allegations that medical staff failed to properly resuscitate a patient experiencing cardiac arrest, leading to lasting disabilities. The hospital continues to deny liability for the incident that resulted in the child's cerebral palsy diagnosis.
The settlement covers the care needs of a child who was 3 years old at the time of the incident and is now 4. The child remains in remission from leukemia but now lives with cerebral palsy and motor disabilities.
The players
Jerrold Abeles
He is a Los Angeles Superior Court judge who presided over the medical malpractice litigation.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
It is a pediatric healthcare facility that faced allegations of medical malpractice following a patient's cardiac arrest.
The details
The incident occurred when a nurse allegedly used an incorrect suction device and failed to properly trigger an emergency response. The boy remains unable to live independently or work in the future due to the hypoxic brain injury suffered during his treatment.
Timeline
May 21, 2025: The child was admitted to Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
May 22, 2025: The child allegedly suffered a hypoxic brain injury.
June 25, 2025: The child was discharged from the hospital.
September 2025: The medical malpractice lawsuit was filed.
December 10, 2026: A hearing is scheduled to determine if the case will be dismissed.
Health Landscape
This case highlights the legal risks hospitals face when internal emergency response standards are not met. It underscores how deviations from established code blue protocols can lead to significant litigation and long-term care obligations for healthcare institutions.
This settlement provides financial assurance for the lifelong care required by a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy following a medical error. It serves as a reminder for families to review hospital protocols and rights when undergoing complex pediatric treatments.
The takeaway
Patients and their families are encouraged to document all procedures and understand the emergency response systems in place at medical facilities. Ensuring clear communication between medical staff and the patient's family is vital during high-stakes pediatric care.
Further reading
Learn more about local pediatric care issues at Children’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
