Most soon-to-be parents in Wisconsin entering the delivery room have a sense of anticipation and nervousness as they await the arrival of their new little bundle of joy. While many people are aware that labor and delivery has complications and risks, most people have confidence that their doctors will successfully handle any issue that arises. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and a mistake made by a healthcare provider during birth can have serious lifelong consequences. One out-of-state woman whose daughter was injured during birth has recently been awarded damages in a medical malpractice suit.
The girl at the center of the case was born in 2011. Her mother claims that the doctor applied too much downward pressure on the baby’s head during delivery. As a result, the baby suffered a brachial plexus injury, an injury to the nerves connecting the brain to the arm and shoulders. As a result, the woman claims, the young girl is unable to fully use her left arm.
The woman additionally claims that the baby’s size should have resulted in a C-section. A jury recently agreed with her claims and awarded the family $1 million in damages. A representative for the defendant says that the money will be used to pay for care for the young girl.
Medical malpractice can create ongoing medical issues that can require costly care for the rest of a person’s life. Many people in Wisconsin who have been negatively impacted by a doctor’s negligence have sought financial relief in the civil court. Some of those who have been able to successfully argue their case have been awarded with monetary damages, as this family has, to help offset the costs of another person’s negligence.
Source: The Madison- St. Clair Record, “Jurors award $1 million to injured girl in medical malpractice trial“, Ann Maher, Aug. 20, 2014
