In the last 100 years, advances in medical technology and knowledge have significantly decreased the risks of giving birth. As a result, many people in North Carolina take a safe and healthy delivery for granted. Unfortunately, both the baby and the mother could be put in severe risk during labor and delivery. While there will always be some risks, the care and decisions made by doctors can often reduce these risk. Unfortunately for one family, the decisions made by doctors ultimately lead to severe birth injuries for their daughter.
In the lawsuit, the family claims that the mother had been in labor for approximately seven hours. The plaintiffs claim the doctors knew the baby was in distress, but insisted a natural delivery was possible. The doctors, on the other hand, stated that they felt the woman was adamantly opposed to a c-section. The lawsuit denies these charges.
As a result, the infant baby suffered permanent brain damage. Her father had to quit his job to provide care for her, but the family says the medical bills were overwhelming. As a result, they filed a $15 million lawsuit against the medical center. The two parties agreed to a $9 million settlement. According to the plaintiff, while some money is for the parent’s distress, the vast majority goes toward their daughter’s continued medical care.
Parents go into the impending birth of their baby full of hope for the future of their child. The devastation felt by these parents at the knowledge that their child suffered from birth injuries solely due to the decisions of the doctors they placed their trust in only compounds these emotions. Parents in North Carolina can follow the lead of these parents if they find themselves in a similar situation. By filing a medical malpractice suit, this family will now be able to afford the ongoing medical care their daughter will require.
Source: fox40.com, UC Hospital Settles Medical Malpractice Lawsuit For $9 million, Lonnie Wong, Sept. 27, 2013