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Was maternal tuberculosis linked to infant brain damage?
A pregnant woman diagnosed with tuberculosis was prescribed a course of antibiotics for 3 months. After the patient developed a skin rash at 6 months’ gestation, the medication was discontinued.
Although the neonate appeared normal at birth, at the age of 6 months it developed tuberculosis that led to meningitis, cerebral palsy, and brain encephalopathy.
The mother sued, claiming that the physician did not treat her tuberculosis within the standard of care and that her child, who was 17 years old at trial, was not properly tested for tuberculosis. In addition, she noted that the infant’s medical records contained no mention of her tuberculosis.
The physician argued that the mother may not have had tuberculosis during her pregnancy and claimed that it was acceptable to stop treatment once she developed a rash. The doctor added that the mother took a trip to the Dominican Republic when the child was 4 months old and noted it was likely there that the child contracted the disease.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $24.5 million. A posttrial motion was pending.
A pregnant woman diagnosed with tuberculosis was prescribed a course of antibiotics for 3 months. After the patient developed a skin rash at 6 months’ gestation, the medication was discontinued.
Although the neonate appeared normal at birth, at the age of 6 months it developed tuberculosis that led to meningitis, cerebral palsy, and brain encephalopathy.
The mother sued, claiming that the physician did not treat her tuberculosis within the standard of care and that her child, who was 17 years old at trial, was not properly tested for tuberculosis. In addition, she noted that the infant’s medical records contained no mention of her tuberculosis.
The physician argued that the mother may not have had tuberculosis during her pregnancy and claimed that it was acceptable to stop treatment once she developed a rash. The doctor added that the mother took a trip to the Dominican Republic when the child was 4 months old and noted it was likely there that the child contracted the disease.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $24.5 million. A posttrial motion was pending.
A pregnant woman diagnosed with tuberculosis was prescribed a course of antibiotics for 3 months. After the patient developed a skin rash at 6 months’ gestation, the medication was discontinued.
Although the neonate appeared normal at birth, at the age of 6 months it developed tuberculosis that led to meningitis, cerebral palsy, and brain encephalopathy.
The mother sued, claiming that the physician did not treat her tuberculosis within the standard of care and that her child, who was 17 years old at trial, was not properly tested for tuberculosis. In addition, she noted that the infant’s medical records contained no mention of her tuberculosis.
The physician argued that the mother may not have had tuberculosis during her pregnancy and claimed that it was acceptable to stop treatment once she developed a rash. The doctor added that the mother took a trip to the Dominican Republic when the child was 4 months old and noted it was likely there that the child contracted the disease.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $24.5 million. A posttrial motion was pending.
Shoulder dystocia results in brachial plexus injury
A woman at 40 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. During delivery, the obstetrician encountered shoulder dystocia.
The child was born with a left brachial plexus injury that resulted in reduced function of his arm. Several surgeries were required to correct the injury.
In suing, the mother claimed that the doctor placed excessive lateral pressure on the infant’s head during delivery.
The doctor argued that he had used appropriate delivery procedures under the circumstances.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,341,500.
A woman at 40 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. During delivery, the obstetrician encountered shoulder dystocia.
The child was born with a left brachial plexus injury that resulted in reduced function of his arm. Several surgeries were required to correct the injury.
In suing, the mother claimed that the doctor placed excessive lateral pressure on the infant’s head during delivery.
The doctor argued that he had used appropriate delivery procedures under the circumstances.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,341,500.
A woman at 40 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. During delivery, the obstetrician encountered shoulder dystocia.
The child was born with a left brachial plexus injury that resulted in reduced function of his arm. Several surgeries were required to correct the injury.
In suing, the mother claimed that the doctor placed excessive lateral pressure on the infant’s head during delivery.
The doctor argued that he had used appropriate delivery procedures under the circumstances.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,341,500.
Oxytocin administration blamed for cerebral palsy
A woman who had undergone a previous cesarean section presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. Following her admission, oxytocin was given.
During labor, the woman’s uterus ruptured, causing the infant to detach from both the uterus and the placenta. Following an emergency cesarean, the child was born with cerebral palsy.
In suing, the mother argued that the doctors and nurses were negligent in administering oxytocin. Further, she claimed that the doctor was not properly informed of changes in the fetal monitoring strip.
The doctor claimed that he had no recollection of ordering the oxytocin.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,587,000.
A woman who had undergone a previous cesarean section presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. Following her admission, oxytocin was given.
During labor, the woman’s uterus ruptured, causing the infant to detach from both the uterus and the placenta. Following an emergency cesarean, the child was born with cerebral palsy.
In suing, the mother argued that the doctors and nurses were negligent in administering oxytocin. Further, she claimed that the doctor was not properly informed of changes in the fetal monitoring strip.
The doctor claimed that he had no recollection of ordering the oxytocin.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,587,000.
A woman who had undergone a previous cesarean section presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. Following her admission, oxytocin was given.
During labor, the woman’s uterus ruptured, causing the infant to detach from both the uterus and the placenta. Following an emergency cesarean, the child was born with cerebral palsy.
In suing, the mother argued that the doctors and nurses were negligent in administering oxytocin. Further, she claimed that the doctor was not properly informed of changes in the fetal monitoring strip.
The doctor claimed that he had no recollection of ordering the oxytocin.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,587,000.
Inadequate monitoring blamed for delayed healing
Following a long-standing history of heavy menstrual bleeding resulting in anemia, a 45-year-old obese woman with diabetes presented to her doctor for a hysterectomy.
The woman developed bleeding postoperatively, and a second surgery was necessary to locate and repair the source. Following this second procedure, the patient developed a hospital-borne infection at the site of the wound.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not issue sufficient postoperative orders to the nurses to monitor her fluid intake and urine. She argued that inadequate urinary output monitoring caused an extended period of shock, which resulted in delayed healing that took 9 months.
The doctor maintained that his notes were adequate and that the nurses properly charted the patient’s fluid intake and urine. Further, he noted that it was impossible to determine whether the shock or the hospitalborne infection caused the delay in healing.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Following a long-standing history of heavy menstrual bleeding resulting in anemia, a 45-year-old obese woman with diabetes presented to her doctor for a hysterectomy.
The woman developed bleeding postoperatively, and a second surgery was necessary to locate and repair the source. Following this second procedure, the patient developed a hospital-borne infection at the site of the wound.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not issue sufficient postoperative orders to the nurses to monitor her fluid intake and urine. She argued that inadequate urinary output monitoring caused an extended period of shock, which resulted in delayed healing that took 9 months.
The doctor maintained that his notes were adequate and that the nurses properly charted the patient’s fluid intake and urine. Further, he noted that it was impossible to determine whether the shock or the hospitalborne infection caused the delay in healing.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Following a long-standing history of heavy menstrual bleeding resulting in anemia, a 45-year-old obese woman with diabetes presented to her doctor for a hysterectomy.
The woman developed bleeding postoperatively, and a second surgery was necessary to locate and repair the source. Following this second procedure, the patient developed a hospital-borne infection at the site of the wound.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not issue sufficient postoperative orders to the nurses to monitor her fluid intake and urine. She argued that inadequate urinary output monitoring caused an extended period of shock, which resulted in delayed healing that took 9 months.
The doctor maintained that his notes were adequate and that the nurses properly charted the patient’s fluid intake and urine. Further, he noted that it was impossible to determine whether the shock or the hospitalborne infection caused the delay in healing.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Did delayed cesarean lead to infant’s death?
A woman at 33 weeks’ gestation presented to her doctor with complaints of headaches, blurred vision, and excessive vomiting on a daily basis, as well as an elevated blood pressure. The doctor ordered bed rest.
During a routine checkup 1 month later, results from a stress test raised concerns about fetal bradycardia. The fetal heart rate had dropped from 110 to 50 beats per minute. The obstetrician told the woman to go home, pack a bag, and return to the hospital. Thirty-five minutes later, the baby was delivered via cesarean with no discernible heartbeat. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the child was deemed stillborn.
In suing, the woman alleged that she should have been admitted to the hospital at 33 weeks’ gestation when she showed signs of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria—symptoms that are indicative of preeclampsia. Further, she claimed that she should have been referred to a perinatologist.
- The case settled for $750,000.
A woman at 33 weeks’ gestation presented to her doctor with complaints of headaches, blurred vision, and excessive vomiting on a daily basis, as well as an elevated blood pressure. The doctor ordered bed rest.
During a routine checkup 1 month later, results from a stress test raised concerns about fetal bradycardia. The fetal heart rate had dropped from 110 to 50 beats per minute. The obstetrician told the woman to go home, pack a bag, and return to the hospital. Thirty-five minutes later, the baby was delivered via cesarean with no discernible heartbeat. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the child was deemed stillborn.
In suing, the woman alleged that she should have been admitted to the hospital at 33 weeks’ gestation when she showed signs of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria—symptoms that are indicative of preeclampsia. Further, she claimed that she should have been referred to a perinatologist.
- The case settled for $750,000.
A woman at 33 weeks’ gestation presented to her doctor with complaints of headaches, blurred vision, and excessive vomiting on a daily basis, as well as an elevated blood pressure. The doctor ordered bed rest.
During a routine checkup 1 month later, results from a stress test raised concerns about fetal bradycardia. The fetal heart rate had dropped from 110 to 50 beats per minute. The obstetrician told the woman to go home, pack a bag, and return to the hospital. Thirty-five minutes later, the baby was delivered via cesarean with no discernible heartbeat. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the child was deemed stillborn.
In suing, the woman alleged that she should have been admitted to the hospital at 33 weeks’ gestation when she showed signs of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria—symptoms that are indicative of preeclampsia. Further, she claimed that she should have been referred to a perinatologist.
- The case settled for $750,000.
Doctor performs episiotomy despite woman’s refusal
Prior to delivery, a 27-year-old woman informed her doctor that she did not want an episiotomy. In addition, she altered the hospital consent form to specifically refuse an episiotomy. However, during delivery, the doctor performed an episiotomy to prevent a tear and further complications.
The woman sued, claiming that she suffered pain and emotional distress due to the episiotomy. She also attributed 2 later abortions to her doctor’s failure to respect her wishes.
The doctor conceded that he and the patient had discussed her refusal to have an episiotomy. However, he claimed, he informed her that he was unable to guarantee the procedure would not be necessary.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Prior to delivery, a 27-year-old woman informed her doctor that she did not want an episiotomy. In addition, she altered the hospital consent form to specifically refuse an episiotomy. However, during delivery, the doctor performed an episiotomy to prevent a tear and further complications.
The woman sued, claiming that she suffered pain and emotional distress due to the episiotomy. She also attributed 2 later abortions to her doctor’s failure to respect her wishes.
The doctor conceded that he and the patient had discussed her refusal to have an episiotomy. However, he claimed, he informed her that he was unable to guarantee the procedure would not be necessary.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Prior to delivery, a 27-year-old woman informed her doctor that she did not want an episiotomy. In addition, she altered the hospital consent form to specifically refuse an episiotomy. However, during delivery, the doctor performed an episiotomy to prevent a tear and further complications.
The woman sued, claiming that she suffered pain and emotional distress due to the episiotomy. She also attributed 2 later abortions to her doctor’s failure to respect her wishes.
The doctor conceded that he and the patient had discussed her refusal to have an episiotomy. However, he claimed, he informed her that he was unable to guarantee the procedure would not be necessary.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Premature delivery results in retinopathy, blindness
A woman at 27 weeks’ gestation delivered twins. Because they were premature, the newborns were placed in oxygen tents. While one infant experienced no problems, the other developed retinopathy resulting in blindness.
In suing, the mother claimed that the neonates were not properly monitored. She further argued that the infants were never examined by an ophthalmologist.
Hospital staff contended that retinopathy is a known risk factor in premature deliveries.
- The case settled for $2.5 million.
A woman at 27 weeks’ gestation delivered twins. Because they were premature, the newborns were placed in oxygen tents. While one infant experienced no problems, the other developed retinopathy resulting in blindness.
In suing, the mother claimed that the neonates were not properly monitored. She further argued that the infants were never examined by an ophthalmologist.
Hospital staff contended that retinopathy is a known risk factor in premature deliveries.
- The case settled for $2.5 million.
A woman at 27 weeks’ gestation delivered twins. Because they were premature, the newborns were placed in oxygen tents. While one infant experienced no problems, the other developed retinopathy resulting in blindness.
In suing, the mother claimed that the neonates were not properly monitored. She further argued that the infants were never examined by an ophthalmologist.
Hospital staff contended that retinopathy is a known risk factor in premature deliveries.
- The case settled for $2.5 million.
Artery, vein, bowel lacerations complicate oophorectomy
A 25-year-old woman presented to a hospital for removal of an ovary. During the procedure, the physician had difficulty grasping the ovary and utilized a trocar. The instrument’s placement resulted in laceration of the patient’s iliac artery, vein, and bowel.
Following surgery, the patient remained in the hospital for 12 days, 3 days of which were spent on life support. Postoperatively, the patient developed clotting and continues to take blood-thinning medication.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not position himself at a proper angle to perform the surgery and failed to avoid blood vessels.
The doctor argued that the patient’s injury was due to a faulty trocar, noting that the shield fell off during surgery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $620,000.
A 25-year-old woman presented to a hospital for removal of an ovary. During the procedure, the physician had difficulty grasping the ovary and utilized a trocar. The instrument’s placement resulted in laceration of the patient’s iliac artery, vein, and bowel.
Following surgery, the patient remained in the hospital for 12 days, 3 days of which were spent on life support. Postoperatively, the patient developed clotting and continues to take blood-thinning medication.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not position himself at a proper angle to perform the surgery and failed to avoid blood vessels.
The doctor argued that the patient’s injury was due to a faulty trocar, noting that the shield fell off during surgery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $620,000.
A 25-year-old woman presented to a hospital for removal of an ovary. During the procedure, the physician had difficulty grasping the ovary and utilized a trocar. The instrument’s placement resulted in laceration of the patient’s iliac artery, vein, and bowel.
Following surgery, the patient remained in the hospital for 12 days, 3 days of which were spent on life support. Postoperatively, the patient developed clotting and continues to take blood-thinning medication.
In suing, the woman claimed that the doctor did not position himself at a proper angle to perform the surgery and failed to avoid blood vessels.
The doctor argued that the patient’s injury was due to a faulty trocar, noting that the shield fell off during surgery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $620,000.
Meningitis follows maternal infection
<court>Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court</court>
During pregnancy, a woman experienced a urinary tract infection with group B streptococcus. Twenty-four hours after delivery, her infant son developed meningitis and group B streptococcus sepsis. The plaintiff, who was 12 at the time of the trial, suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.
In suing, the plaintiff argued that given his mother’s infection during pregnancy, she should have received prophylactic antibiotics during labor or he should have been given antibiotics following birth.
The doctor argued that in 1990, when the incident occurred, there were no standards for administering intrapartum antibiotics under these circumstances.
- The jury returned defense verdicts for the obstetrician and pediatrician; the plaintiff settled with the hospital and nurse for $2.75 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court</court>
During pregnancy, a woman experienced a urinary tract infection with group B streptococcus. Twenty-four hours after delivery, her infant son developed meningitis and group B streptococcus sepsis. The plaintiff, who was 12 at the time of the trial, suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.
In suing, the plaintiff argued that given his mother’s infection during pregnancy, she should have received prophylactic antibiotics during labor or he should have been given antibiotics following birth.
The doctor argued that in 1990, when the incident occurred, there were no standards for administering intrapartum antibiotics under these circumstances.
- The jury returned defense verdicts for the obstetrician and pediatrician; the plaintiff settled with the hospital and nurse for $2.75 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
<court>Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court</court>
During pregnancy, a woman experienced a urinary tract infection with group B streptococcus. Twenty-four hours after delivery, her infant son developed meningitis and group B streptococcus sepsis. The plaintiff, who was 12 at the time of the trial, suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities.
In suing, the plaintiff argued that given his mother’s infection during pregnancy, she should have received prophylactic antibiotics during labor or he should have been given antibiotics following birth.
The doctor argued that in 1990, when the incident occurred, there were no standards for administering intrapartum antibiotics under these circumstances.
- The jury returned defense verdicts for the obstetrician and pediatrician; the plaintiff settled with the hospital and nurse for $2.75 million.
The cases presented here were compiled by Lewis L. Laska, editor of Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts. While there are instances when the available information is incomplete, these cases represent the types of clinical situations that typically result in litigation.
Death blamed on failure to treat preeclampsia
Following delivery of a healthy baby, a 29-year-old woman began experiencing various problems, including rib pain, flu-like symptoms, and “sparkles” in her field of vision. Later, she developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and was admitted to intensive care. One month after giving birth, she died of multiorgan failure.
In suing, the husband claimed that the doctor failed to detect and treat severe preeclampsia and/or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.
The doctor argued his quality of care was adequate. He also noted that severe preeclampsia has a high mortality rate, regardless of the care, and is often resolved postdelivery.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
Following delivery of a healthy baby, a 29-year-old woman began experiencing various problems, including rib pain, flu-like symptoms, and “sparkles” in her field of vision. Later, she developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and was admitted to intensive care. One month after giving birth, she died of multiorgan failure.
In suing, the husband claimed that the doctor failed to detect and treat severe preeclampsia and/or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.
The doctor argued his quality of care was adequate. He also noted that severe preeclampsia has a high mortality rate, regardless of the care, and is often resolved postdelivery.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
Following delivery of a healthy baby, a 29-year-old woman began experiencing various problems, including rib pain, flu-like symptoms, and “sparkles” in her field of vision. Later, she developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and was admitted to intensive care. One month after giving birth, she died of multiorgan failure.
In suing, the husband claimed that the doctor failed to detect and treat severe preeclampsia and/or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.
The doctor argued his quality of care was adequate. He also noted that severe preeclampsia has a high mortality rate, regardless of the care, and is often resolved postdelivery.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.