New Jersey Mother Settles Weight-Loss Lawsuit for $1M

April 3, 2008

Her lawyer says the mother of a Rochelle Park, New Jersey teen has settled a lawsuit over his weight-loss surgery for $1 million.

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Elaine LaBeur's decision came after a few days of testimony in the trial involving three doctors.

Her lawyer tells The Record of Bergen County she is emotionally exhausted.

Her son, Leonard, had gastric bypass surgery in 2003.

The 19-year-old weighed 443 pounds and lost more than 57 pounds in the 20 days after his stomach was reduced to the size of a golf ball.

The teen died a month later.

LaBeur's lawyers alleged the teen may have developed a leak and doctors failed to perform tests to detect it.

The settlement involves one doctor and relieves the other two of any liability.

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Information from: The Record of Bergen County