Spangenberg Shibley & Liber Partner Nicholas DiCello recently achieved an $18.5 million settlement in a medical malpractice case on behalf of the family of Felicia Garza, a 30-year-old mother of three who died following a routine gallbladder surgery.
The Case
Felicia lived with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, a rare clotting disorder that required careful and continuous management with anticoagulation medication. Despite her known condition and a history of close oversight by her hematologist, serious communication failures and lapses in hospital policy led to a preventable tragedy.
According to Nick, “Felicia’s case was about a cascade of missed steps — steps that any patient has a right to expect their medical team will get right. This wasn’t a matter of bad luck; it was a matter of avoidable error.”
In reviewing hospital procedures, the Spangenberg team uncovered outdated and inconsistent protocols governing how the medication should be managed before and after surgery. Felicia was administered a full dose of anticoagulant immediately before her operation — a clear deviation from the standard of care — and sent home without proper documentation or coordination with her hematologist. Within 48 hours, she collapsed and later passed away.
“This family’s story is heartbreaking,” Nick said. “Three young children lost their mother because key safeguards weren’t followed. Our work was about uncovering how and why that happened — and making sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Strength Through Collaboration
The case also exemplified the power of collaboration within the legal community. Nick worked alongside Attorney Kristin Roberts of Kampinski & Roberts, who originally investigated the case and joined forces with Spangenberg to pursue justice for Felicia’s family. “Kristen was an exceptional partner,” Nick said. “Her insights and professionalism brought tremendous value to the case, and this outcome wouldn’t have been possible without that teamwork.”
The $18.5 million settlement, now approved by probate court, will help secure the future of Felicia’s three children and stands as an important reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in patient care.
“At the heart of every case like this,” Nick added, “is a family who just wants to know the truth. When we can deliver answers — and justice — that’s when this work matters most.”
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