Woman with flesh-eating bacteria awarded $755K

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A jury has awarded $755,000 to a Grand Rapids woman who developed flesh-eating bacteria. More than three years ago, Kelly Robinson walked into the Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital emergency room, seeking treatment for a sore throat. The Grand Rapids woman's sore throat eventually progressed into flesh-eating bacteria that spread to the tissue in her neck. Robinson has scars that cover much of her body and has undergone multiple surgeries. After suing the hospital and a physician's assistant, a jury this week awarded Robinson $755,000. Her lawyer, Kevin Lesperance, says at least $155,000 of the money will go to the State of Michigan and Medicaid. The 44-year-old Robinson hopes to use the rest to go back to school. The Grand Rapids Press reports Spectrum Health plans to appeal the decision. Published: Fri, Apr 27, 2012