$10 Million in New Jersey Wrongful Death Case: Paul da Costa Defies Expectations

Standing Up for Families Across New Jersey

At Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC, our commitment to justice means challenging assumptions and winning. In a landmark New Jersey wrongful death and medical malpractice case, partner, Paul da Costa, secured a $10 million settlement for the family of a three-year-old child, despite widespread belief that the case’s value would be limited due to the child’s physical and intellectual disabilities.

From the very beginning, Paul da Costa refused to accept that narrative. While other attorneys undervalued the case, Paul da Costa recognized what others overlooked: the profound human value of this child’s life and the extraordinary bond she shared with her parents.

A Case Others Undervalued, But Paul da Costa Didn’t

Before retaining Paul da Costa, the family was told their case would be worth far less because their child was disabled. Even colleagues cautioned that recovery would be limited.

But Paul da Costa took a different approach.

He focused on the deep emotional connection between parents and a disabled child, emphasizing that these relationships are often even more intense due to the level of care, time, and love involved.

As Paul da Costa explained, these children are not defined by limitations, they are individuals with personalities, emotions, and the ability to give and receive love. That perspective became central to achieving justice.

What Happened: Medical Negligence in a New Jersey Care Facility

The case arose from a tragic incident at a New Jersey long-term care facility, where a young child’s tracheostomy tube became dislodged.

Despite clear medical protocols, staff allegedly:

• Attempted reinsertion multiple times beyond recommended limits
• Failed to recognize the child’s initially stable condition
• Did not follow escalation procedures in a timely manner

Paul da Costa argued that these repeated attempts caused the child to go from stable to respiratory and cardiac arrest. The result was devastating.

This case highlights critical issues in New Jersey medical malpractice litigation, including adherence to protocol, staff training, and patient safety.

The Legal Strategy That Made the Difference

Paul da Costa’s strategy centered on two key principles:

1. Humanizing the Child

Rather than allowing the defense to minimize damages, Paul da Costa presented the child as a full human being capable of love, recognition, and emotional connection.

2. Emphasizing the Parent-Child Bond

He demonstrated that the bond between this child and her parents was uniquely strong due to her dependence on them for every aspect of life.

This approach reframed the case and ultimately led to a multimillion-dollar result.

Why This Case Matters in New Jersey

This result sends a powerful message across New Jersey:

• Every life has value, regardless of physical and/or intellectual disabilities
• Families deserve full and fair compensation
• Assumptions in wrongful death cases must be challenged

A Message to Families: Don’t Settle for Less

This case is a reminder that initial case valuations are not always accurate. With the right legal strategy, experience, and commitment, significantly different outcomes are possible.

Paul da Costa’s work in this matter reflects the firm’s core mission:
To fight for justice—especially when others underestimate what a case is truly worth.

Contact Paul M. da Costa (pdacosta@sarnolawfirm.com or 973-274-5200) at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC

If you or a loved one has been affected by:

• Medical malpractice
• Wrongful death

Paul da Costa and the attorneys at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri Webb LLC are ready to evaluate your case and pursue the justice you deserve; to fight for you.