Giving birth is one of the most joyous occasions for many parents in Illinois and across the country. However, giving birth can also turn into a nightmare when mistakes are made during delivery. In one case, a mother and her daughter filed a lawsuit against a doctor and other defendants for birth injuries her daughter suffered.
Back in 2007, the mother was at term in her pregnancy and went into the hospital for labor induction due to a condition called pre-eclampsia. During the process, the doctor attempted to deliver the baby through a vacuum-assisted process, but was unsuccessful even after several tries. Following the delivery and the release of the vacuum cup, it was observed that the infant’s shoulder showed weakness. The weakness indicated that it could be Erb’s palsy.
As a result of the procedure, the infant suffered permanent nerve root damage, along with brachial plexus injury. Included as defendants in the lawsuit are the hospital and a health care foundation. The medical malpractice claim seeks a monetary judgment of more than $150,000 as well as the costs of litigation.
Birth injuries could cause life-altering and lifelong medical issues. The child in this case may need ongoing care and may not have the ability to function as well as other children her age. As with this case, parents of children who suffered from birth injuries in Illinois often find that filing medical malpractice claims are appropriate legal remedies to seek recovery of financial damages incurred. Successful claims, based upon appropriate proof of malpractice, may result in monetary relief awarded by a civil court.
Source: madisonrecord.com, “Mother and infant daughter sue doctor for delivery malpractice”, April 6, 2015