Aliotta did not call a code or begin chest compressions until it was too late, according to the estate’s claims. Nastri suggested that various medical reports about Ocasio’s sudden turn for the worse in April 2017 did not align, possibly due to a cover-up.
Settlement Talks and Appeals
The Ocasio estate initially sought $1 million from Aliotta and another $1 million from Meriden-Wallingford Anesthesia Group in January 2020, but those offers were rejected. The final verdict, entered on July 3, significantly exceeded the settlement proposal.
Judge Elizabeth J. Stewart rejected an attempt by Meriden-Wallingford Anesthesia to apportion damages to Dr. Housein M. Wazaz and Midstate Gastroenterology Specialists PC, noting that settlement talks were not official. The anesthesia group has indicated a desire to appeal the decision, but no appeal has been filed.
Family’s Reaction
“Our mother had to fight all of her life, and she would have wanted us to keep fighting,” said Ocasio’s sons, Alex, Luis, and Brian. “We are grateful to the jury for honoring her memory with this verdict.”
Maria Ocasio anesthesia death trial : Defense’s Argument
Defense attorney James B. Rosenblum argued that Dr. Aliotta and the Meriden-Wallingford Anesthesia Group provided proper and reasonable care despite the “horrible outcome” for Ocasio. He emphasized that ERCPs are highly stimulative procedures requiring minute-by-minute adjustments to anesthesia doses.
