There is never room for mistakes in any area of healthcare in Fulton County, Georgia, but those made during labor and delivery can be particularly devastating. Even small lapses in judgment can have harmful effects on both the mother and baby, many of which can be permanent.
This is the case for a baby born in 2003. The mother went into labor on three separate occasions over the course of 10 days during her pregnancy. Each time her labor was stopped and after the third time, she was put on bed rest. Although it can be argued that she should have stayed in the hospital following the third time, she was released. She went back to the hospital a little less than a week later at around 12:30 p.m. after her water broke.
Because she had required a caesarian delivery with another baby, she and her doctor had discussed performing anther one with this baby. Although she requested that the baby be delivered soon after she was admitted and again when the obstetrician came to the hospital at 5:30 p.m., the baby was not delivered via emergency caesarian section until he showed signs of distress at 9 p.m.
The baby suffered bleeding in the brain and was born with a myriad of health issues including cerebral palsy and visual problems. His health issues will require him to have care his entire life.
The mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor and hospital and was recently awarded $14.5 million for his pain and suffering, medical costs and past economic losses.
Source: Cleveland.com, “Garfield Heights boy and mother awarded $14.5 million in malpractice case,” Karen Farkas, June 13, 2014
