Recently, a jury awarded a $6million verdict to the family of an infant who suffered severe brain injuries during the labor and delivery process. The jury determined that the physician’s actions in administering excessive dosages of Pitocin in order to produce contractions was negligent. Based on this negligence, the child suffered permanent, debilitating brain damage, the jury concluded.
According to court documents, hospital staff failed to notice signs on the fetal heart monitor that indicated that the infant was not getting enough oxygen. When the child was eventually delivered, he was nearly lifeless with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. He was then flown to a nearby hospital for cooling therapy to help reduce the extent of any potential brain damage.
Representatives of the family noted that had a C-Section been performed when signs of fetal distress had first been indicated, the extent of the brain damage could have been limited. However based on the delays, the boy developed cerebral palsy, and suffers from physical and cognitive impairment requiring 24-hour-care for the rest of his life.
Unfortunately, when mistakes occur during the labor and delivery process and an infant sustains injuries, the harm may be catastrophic and last a lifetime.
For more information or if you believe that your child suffered harm due to negligent medical care, please contact the dedicated California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.