Record $60M Verdict in Nassau County for Valley Stream Man Paralyzed After Routine Epidural Steroid Injection, Secured by Attorney Marijo C. Adimey

MINEOLA, N.Y., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In what is believed to be the highest medical malpractice verdict ever awarded in Nassau County, Marijo C. Adimey, a partner at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf secured a $60,033,041.23 unanimous verdict for a 65-year-old electrical mechanic who was left permanently paralyzed following a routine epidural steroid injection.

On November 18, 2019, the victim underwent a routine lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure performed by Dr. Robert Iadevaio at the Pain Institute of Long Island (currently Catholic Health Long Island).  Within minutes of awakening from sedation, the plaintiff suffered a massive spinal cord infarction resulting in permanent paraplegia, neurogenic bowel and bladder, chronic neuropathic pain, and impotence. 

The plaintiffs presented evidence that the findings of a spinal angiogram conducted after the injury was inconsistent with the medication listed in the physician's notes.  Instead, they alleged that a different medication — one not recommended for use and commonly known to cause spinal infarcts if inadvertently injected into an artery leading to the spinal cord— was used, suggesting a grievous medical error during the procedure.  The plaintiffs called experts in the field of Interventional Pain Medicine and Interventional Neuroradiology, who testified that based upon the spinal imaging and known mechanisms of spinal infarct, the physician's procedure note could not have been accurate.  Plaintiffs also called experts in the fields of Neurology, Life Care Planning, Psychiatry and Forensic Economics to present evidence of plaintiff's irreversible and profound damages. 

At the time of the incident, the plaintiff was a 60-year-old electrical mechanic at a local airport and was the primary provider for his wife and their two sons.

The three-week trial in Nassau County Supreme Court concluded with a unanimous jury verdict awarding more than $60 million to the victim.  Bruce Brady, Esq. of Dorf Nelson & Zauderer represented the defendants. Ms. Adimey was second chaired by associate, Aaron M. Ser, Esq.

"This was a routine outpatient procedure that should never have led to catastrophic injury," said Ms. Adimey. "The jury's verdict recognizes the irreparable harm caused to the victim and his family and holds the physician accountable for the negligent conduct."

The damages awarded cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and spousal loss of services, and represent a landmark result in New York medical malpractice litigation.

Marijo C. Adimey is an award-winning trial attorney with a long history of success in medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. Recognized annually by "Best Lawyers", she holds an AV rating from "Martindale-Hubbell" and has been named to "Super Lawyers" every year since 2013. She serves on the Medical Malpractice Advisory Committee for New York County Supreme Court, the Judiciary Committee of the NYC Bar, and the Board of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Adimey has secured multiple multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including two top verdicts in a single year.  In addition to her achievements in the courtroom, she is the co-author of the authoritative legal guide New York Medical Malpractice 2025, published by LexisNexis. Her contributions to this widely respected publication reflect her deep expertise in case strategy, trial preparation, and the complexities of New York medical malpractice law.

For further inquiries, contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090.

SOURCE Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf