A family was awarded $30 million after their daughter, a model, was left with brain damage following an allergic reaction to a peanut butter pretzel.
Chantel Giacalone, a model and actress known for her cameo roles in films like The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations, Hollow Walls, and Skylar, had a life-altering incident in 2013.
The 27-year-old, who was attending a convention in Las Vegas at the time, suffered severe brain damage after eating a peanut butter-infused pretzel, triggering an anaphylactic reaction.
Medical Error Leads to Devastating Consequences
According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Giacalone’s allergic reaction was not properly treated. After going into anaphylactic shock and struggling to breathe, she sought medical help at the medic station run by MedicWest Ambulance.
Christian Morris, the lawyer representing Giacalone’s family, claimed that the medics' failure to administer IV epinephrine, the proper treatment for severe allergic reactions, led to her brain damage. Instead, she was given intramuscular epinephrine, which failed to stabilize her condition.
“Because what happened in that room was nothing. They let my daughter linger,” said her father, Jack Giacalone, while Morris added: “Every minute of Chantel’s life has been inextricably altered. Every single minute since she walked into that medic room to a company that chose profits over patient care.”
MedicWest Denies Wrongdoing in Treatment
Despite the allegations, MedicWest Ambulance denied any wrongdoing during the trial. They argued that the outcome was inevitable due to Giacalone’s extreme sensitivity to peanuts. They also maintained that Giacalone never lost consciousness while under their care.
However, the jury sided with the family, awarding them almost $30 million in damages after a lengthy legal battle.
Life After the Incident
Today, Giacalone is living with the devastating effects of her allergic reaction. She is now quadriplegic and requires round-the-clock care, provided by her parents, Jack and Deborah. She communicates only through eye movements and requires a feeding tube for nutrition.
Despite her severe condition, she continues to engage with the world around her, singing along to YouTube videos and completing dance exercises through facial expressions.
Though the Giacalone family has faced tremendous hardship over the past eight years, Jack remains grateful that his daughter will be financially cared for.
“At least my daughter will be taken care of. I’m happy about that,” he said, reflecting on the trial’s outcome. “All the anguish that we’ve been through for the last eight years, I’m not happy about. I just hope MedicWest changes their ways.”
“I don’t want her to go anywhere else. I love her, and she loves me,” her mom, Deborah, added. “It’s very hard to take care of her, but I would not have it any other way.”
In addition to using the award to provide for Chantel’s ongoing care, the Giacalone family said they would donate a portion of the money to organizations supporting individuals with brain injuries. They also intend to purchase a new, larger home to better accommodate Chantel’s needs.