The birth of a child is undoubtedly one of the most amazing and memorable events in any mother's life. When obstetrician malpractice occurs, however, both mother and child can face life-altering permanent injuries.
A California woman recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against 10 doctors who are employed at Children's Hospital of Orange County, a hospital run by Kaiser Permanente. In the lawsuit, the woman asserts the negligent acts of the doctors contributed to her infant son's permanent and disabling injuries.
The woman was carrying twins. Upon attempting to deliver the babies, medical tests showed that one of the twins had died in utero. When the living twin was delivered, he developed hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy a condition that results when the brain does not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen.
According to the lawsuit, the doctors named in the complaint failed to properly perform examinations, ultrasounds, diagnosis, care and treatment of the mother and surviving twin. Likewise, the suit contends, doctors failed to advise the mother both about other potential treatment options as well as the potential risks associated with the decided treatment plan.
As a result of his injury, the woman's son experienced severe emotional and physical pain. Likewise, the brain damage he suffered resulted in lost earning capacity and he will likely require round-the-clock medical care. The lawsuit cites that the boy will require years of physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and nursing care.
In addition to asking for compensatory damages, the plaintiffs in the case also seek compensation related to emotional distress caused by the doctors' negligent acts.
Source: Courthouse News Service, "Asphyxia Brain Damaged 2nd Twin, Mom Says," Tish Kraft, Nov. 2, 2012