Childbirth should be a celebratory occasion for new parents and extended family members. For the majority of Illinois families and others around the country, this is the case. However, when tragedy occurs, the once-happy event can quickly turn into a dire situation. A woman in another state recently died after delivering her baby. Her family wants to hold the medical center liable for the hospital negligence that contributed to her death and has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit.
A 39-year-old woman went to the hospital for a repeat elective cesarean section delivery shortly after noon on April 12, 2016. The woman’s baby boy was born approximately two hours after her arrival. Shortly after the delivery, the woman and baby were bonding in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. However, court documents state that urine was detected in the woman’s catheter near 5 p.m. Around 11:30 p.m., there was concern that the woman had active internal bleeding.
After midnight on April 13, approximately 3 liters of blood was discovered in the woman’s abdomen during surgery. According to the autopsy, the woman died at 2:22 a.m. from hemorrhagic shock after the C-section. The lawsuit claims the hospital acted negligently by failing to timely manage the woman’s hemorrhage, among other acts. The woman’s husband and two sons are the plaintiffs in the case.
When family members have suffered the loss of a loved one due to hospital negligence, they may choose to file a lawsuit against the facility and the physicians involved in the death. An Illinois experienced personal injury lawyer can assist families through the litigation process. A successful outcome can provide compensation for medical and funeral expenses, as well as provide damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering.
Source: People, “Glenda Hatchett’s Daughter-in-Law Dies After Giving Birth, Son Sues Hospital“, Natalie Stone, May 13, 2017