The birth of a child is an amazing experiencing that is indescribable for many Florida parents. For nine months parents patiently wait to greet their healthy sons and daughters. With children being born every day, parents expect that medical professionals will properly monitor the delivery and birth of each child. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to properly monitor the delivery of a child, they put the health of the mother and her child at risk.
One couple who filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in 2005 after their child suffered birth injuries has finally won their case. Last week, a jury awarded the couple $58 million on behalf of their son who is now 8 years old. Although the lawsuit cannot change what happened to their son, their case does illustrate the responsibility medical professionals have when it comes to caring for their patients.
The couple from Connecticut gave birth to their son on February 2, 2003. However, three days before the child was born, the mother’s amniotic fluid had decreased by half. Instead of performing a Caesarian section, the woman’s physician decided to wait. The lawsuit claimed that when the Caesarian section was finally performed, the surgery was not done properly.
The couple believes that their baby suffered brain damage from the delayed birth and as a result their son now has cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy typically occurs while a child is still in the womb and can be a result of the baby not getting enough oxygen. The couple’s child now suffers from severe symptoms including the inability to speak, eat or walk. The 8-year-old child also has seizures.
The child’s parents plan to use the money to cover full-time care costs for their son.
Source
The Huffington Post: “Family Gets $58 Million In Record-Breaking Malpractice Suit,” 26 May 2011