Expectant parents are typically filled with excitement and anticipation over the impending birth of their child. Unfortunately, many people forget that having a child can be medically complex, placing both the life of the mother and the child at risk. Many in Wisconsin require skilled care by a physician who is sensitive to the needs of the child and the mother and is prepared to take appropriate action during times of distress. One out-of-state family claims that their medical malpractice resulted in significant injury to their child.
According to reports, the child’s mother reported to the hospital several months before the child was due because she had not felt the child move as frequently as usual. She was admitted and claims that the baby was fine for several hours, but then the child’s heart rate dropped. The parents argue that the attending physician was contacted at home, but declined to return to the hospital. Approximately four hours later, the baby was delivered by Caesarean section. She was not breathing and had to be resuscitated.
The lawsuit accuses six doctors of negligence, claiming their inaction caused severe brain damage to the child, who is now 11. The child reportedly is blind and fed through a feeding tube, among other disabilities. The claims against one doctor were dismissed earlier, and four others were not found negligent. A jury has found that the attending physician who did not return to the hospital was negligent, and a jury has awarded the family almost $30 million to cover loss of earnings, future and past medical expenses, and pain and suffering. A representative for the doctor asserts that appropriate care was provided and the situation was complicated by the mother’s medical condition and the child’s infection.
It it easy to forget that having a child can be dangerous. Unfortunately, many people do not have the happy outcome they envision, often due to medical malpractice. When people in Wisconsin received negligent care, there are legal options available. A successfully presented case could result in an award to help families cope with the financial ramifications of inappropriate care.
Source: masslive.com, “Jury awards nearly $30 million to Holyoke family, says doctor’s negligence caused baby’s permanent brain damage“, Buffy Spencer, Feb. 5, 2016
