The Las Vegas family provided $ 29.5 million for the allergic reaction

LAS VEGAS (AP) – A jury awarded $ 29.5 million to the family of a woman whose brain was damaged after being treated for a severe allergic reaction by an ambulance service in Las Vegas in 2013.

Chantel Giacalone, 27, suffered an anaphylactic shock after biting into a pretzel infused with peanut butter while in Las Vegas for a convention, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. .

Giacalone’s lawyer, Christian Morris, said he lost oxygen to his brain for several minutes after seeking treatment from MedicWest Ambulance, which ran the doctor’s station that day.

Morris claimed in a civil lawsuit that MedicWest Ambulance negligently treated his allergic reaction.

He argued that neither of the two doctors on the spot that day had epinephrine IV, an adrenaline treatment for severe allergic reactions, which is required by the Southern Nevada Health District. According to the testimony during a three-week trial, the requirement was set by a working group on which the company is based.

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Morris said doctors used intramuscular epinephrine instead, but IVs are needed for complete anaphylaxis.

He claimed the cost of the drug was only $ 2.42. The lawsuit claimed more than $ 60 million in damages for medical expenses and emotional distress.

MedicWest denied any wrongdoing and said the result was inevitable because of Giacalone’s increased sensitivity to peanuts. Prosecutor William Drury said Giacalone never lost consciousness.

“At least my daughter will be taken care of. I’m glad of that, “said Jack Giacalone’s father after the verdict was read on Friday. “I am not satisfied with all the anguish I have gone through in the last eight years. I just hope MedicWest changes its ways. ”