Medical Verdicts
NOTABLE JUDGMENTS AND SETTLEMENTS IN BRIEF
The mother contended that neither the physician nor the nurse provided adequate intervention. Denying negligence, the defendants argued there was no approximate cause for the infant’s condition and claimed the injury occurred during the last few minutes before delivery.
- The case settled for $21.5 million.
Death from ARDS after delivery of twins
A 22-year-old woman at 34 weeks’ gestation reported to the hospital complaining of intermittent headaches. Her blood pressure was elevated and she was admitted. Six days later, labor was induced and she gave birth to healthy twins. After 12 days in the hospital she was discharged. The following day she returned to the hospital in respiratory distress, and she lost consciousness. She was stabilized with a ventilator but developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and died 10 days later.
The patient’s representatives claimed the physicians failed to diagnose a viral infection, which led to the patient’s death. Claims against several individuals and facilities were discontinued with the exception of 2 hospitals. Representatives for the 2 facilities argued the infection could not have been prevented or treated with antibiotics or any other medication.
- The case settled for $1.4 million.
