Medical Verdicts

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—When a gravida at 27 weeks presented to the hospital with contractions, the OB nursing staff initiated intravenous terbutaline. Once the contractions were controlled, the staff discontinued the drug. The mother then delivered a premature infant who was blind.

In suing, the patient claimed that the nursing staff should not have discontinued the terbutaline.

The hospital argued that even if the medication had been continued, the gravida still would have delivered prematurely.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—When a gravida at 27 weeks presented to the hospital with contractions, the OB nursing staff initiated intravenous terbutaline. Once the contractions were controlled, the staff discontinued the drug. The mother then delivered a premature infant who was blind.

In suing, the patient claimed that the nursing staff should not have discontinued the terbutaline.

The hospital argued that even if the medication had been continued, the gravida still would have delivered prematurely.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—When a gravida at 27 weeks presented to the hospital with contractions, the OB nursing staff initiated intravenous terbutaline. Once the contractions were controlled, the staff discontinued the drug. The mother then delivered a premature infant who was blind.

In suing, the patient claimed that the nursing staff should not have discontinued the terbutaline.

The hospital argued that even if the medication had been continued, the gravida still would have delivered prematurely.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Hennepin County (Minn) District Court—A 16-year-old girl presented to a clinic requesting oral contraceptives (OCs). Three months later, she suffered a stroke, resulting in a limp in her gait, cognitive limitations, and diminished use of her right arm.

In suing, the patient argued that the OCs never should have been prescribed because of a maternal family history of blood clotting disorders.

The defendants contended that, according to the Physician’s Drug Reference, the particular OCs prescribed were not absolutely contraindicated. Further, the clinic alleged there were no records that proved the teen received the OCs from their institution. The physicians claimed the her smoking, alleged drug use, and a prior abortion may have caused the stroke.

A $425,000 settlement was reached.

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.

Hennepin County (Minn) District Court—A 16-year-old girl presented to a clinic requesting oral contraceptives (OCs). Three months later, she suffered a stroke, resulting in a limp in her gait, cognitive limitations, and diminished use of her right arm.

In suing, the patient argued that the OCs never should have been prescribed because of a maternal family history of blood clotting disorders.

The defendants contended that, according to the Physician’s Drug Reference, the particular OCs prescribed were not absolutely contraindicated. Further, the clinic alleged there were no records that proved the teen received the OCs from their institution. The physicians claimed the her smoking, alleged drug use, and a prior abortion may have caused the stroke.

A $425,000 settlement was reached.

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.

Hennepin County (Minn) District Court—A 16-year-old girl presented to a clinic requesting oral contraceptives (OCs). Three months later, she suffered a stroke, resulting in a limp in her gait, cognitive limitations, and diminished use of her right arm.

In suing, the patient argued that the OCs never should have been prescribed because of a maternal family history of blood clotting disorders.

The defendants contended that, according to the Physician’s Drug Reference, the particular OCs prescribed were not absolutely contraindicated. Further, the clinic alleged there were no records that proved the teen received the OCs from their institution. The physicians claimed the her smoking, alleged drug use, and a prior abortion may have caused the stroke.

A $425,000 settlement was reached.

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.

Kings County (ny) Supreme Court—A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with infertility. The physician recommended she undergo a hysterosalpingogram, which was performed by a radiologist. Postoperatively, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in damage to her fallopian tubes.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics prior to the procedure. Further, the damage to her fallopian tubes will prevent her from conceiving naturally.

The doctor argued that the procedure was performed correctly, that PID is a known risk of a hysterosalpingogram, and that prophylactic antibiotics were not necessary.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Kings County (ny) Supreme Court—A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with infertility. The physician recommended she undergo a hysterosalpingogram, which was performed by a radiologist. Postoperatively, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in damage to her fallopian tubes.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics prior to the procedure. Further, the damage to her fallopian tubes will prevent her from conceiving naturally.

The doctor argued that the procedure was performed correctly, that PID is a known risk of a hysterosalpingogram, and that prophylactic antibiotics were not necessary.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Kings County (ny) Supreme Court—A woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with infertility. The physician recommended she undergo a hysterosalpingogram, which was performed by a radiologist. Postoperatively, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in damage to her fallopian tubes.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics prior to the procedure. Further, the damage to her fallopian tubes will prevent her from conceiving naturally.

The doctor argued that the procedure was performed correctly, that PID is a known risk of a hysterosalpingogram, and that prophylactic antibiotics were not necessary.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—A 44-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with problems of vaginal laxity that caused sexual dysfunction. The physician recommended she undergo an episiotomy scar revision. Postoperatively, it was discovered that the doctor instead performed a labioplasty.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician performed an unauthorized surgery. Further, she felt the procedure permanently disfigured her genitalia.

While the doctor admitted to performing a different procedure than the one the patient consented to, the Ob/Gyn argued that the woman’s labia looked normal. In addition, the physician argued that the patient did not seek psychological counseling following the labioplasty and remains sexually active.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.

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.

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—A 44-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with problems of vaginal laxity that caused sexual dysfunction. The physician recommended she undergo an episiotomy scar revision. Postoperatively, it was discovered that the doctor instead performed a labioplasty.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician performed an unauthorized surgery. Further, she felt the procedure permanently disfigured her genitalia.

While the doctor admitted to performing a different procedure than the one the patient consented to, the Ob/Gyn argued that the woman’s labia looked normal. In addition, the physician argued that the patient did not seek psychological counseling following the labioplasty and remains sexually active.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.

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.

Maricopa County (Ariz) Superior Court—A 44-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with problems of vaginal laxity that caused sexual dysfunction. The physician recommended she undergo an episiotomy scar revision. Postoperatively, it was discovered that the doctor instead performed a labioplasty.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician performed an unauthorized surgery. Further, she felt the procedure permanently disfigured her genitalia.

While the doctor admitted to performing a different procedure than the one the patient consented to, the Ob/Gyn argued that the woman’s labia looked normal. In addition, the physician argued that the patient did not seek psychological counseling following the labioplasty and remains sexually active.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.

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.

Orange County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her obstetrician’s office with irregular contractions and a cervical dilation of 2 to 3 cm. A nonstress test was performed, and the physician advised the patient to go home and come back when her contractions were more regular. When the gravida returned, she was dilated 3 cm, but her contractions remained mild. She was sent to the hospital at 1:30 PM, and her membranes were artificially ruptured at 2:30 PM. However, cervical dilation and mild contractions persisted until 4:30. At 5 PM, oxytocin was administered and increased at 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM. At 5:35 PM, the patient complained of heart palpitations. The nurse turned the woman on her side, gave her oxygen, and withdrew the oxytocin. However, the mother became less responsive and went into cardiac arrest. A Code Blue was ordered at 5:51 PM.

At 6:08 PM, the baby was delivered via cesarean section; the infant was later diagnosed with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy. Early the next morning, the mother died. The autopsy revealed an amniotic fluid embolism.

In suing, the woman’s family claimed that the nurse should not have administered oxytocin and that the dosage was excessive. Further, the fetal monitor tracing showed abnormalities that warranted the withdrawal of the oxytocin prior to when it was finally discontinued. In addition, the plaintiffs argued that the physician should have been present when the oxytocin was administered. They also contended that the cesarean should have been performed earlier to reduce the risk of fetal damage.

The physician maintained that the augmentation of oxytocin was appropriate, given the patient’s lack of progress during labor. In addition, the Ob/Gyn argued that once the mother went into cardiac arrest, and there was a minimal likelihood of successful resuscitation, it was then appropriate to perform the cesarean, which was completed within 17 minutes—well within the standard of care.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Orange County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her obstetrician’s office with irregular contractions and a cervical dilation of 2 to 3 cm. A nonstress test was performed, and the physician advised the patient to go home and come back when her contractions were more regular. When the gravida returned, she was dilated 3 cm, but her contractions remained mild. She was sent to the hospital at 1:30 PM, and her membranes were artificially ruptured at 2:30 PM. However, cervical dilation and mild contractions persisted until 4:30. At 5 PM, oxytocin was administered and increased at 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM. At 5:35 PM, the patient complained of heart palpitations. The nurse turned the woman on her side, gave her oxygen, and withdrew the oxytocin. However, the mother became less responsive and went into cardiac arrest. A Code Blue was ordered at 5:51 PM.

At 6:08 PM, the baby was delivered via cesarean section; the infant was later diagnosed with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy. Early the next morning, the mother died. The autopsy revealed an amniotic fluid embolism.

In suing, the woman’s family claimed that the nurse should not have administered oxytocin and that the dosage was excessive. Further, the fetal monitor tracing showed abnormalities that warranted the withdrawal of the oxytocin prior to when it was finally discontinued. In addition, the plaintiffs argued that the physician should have been present when the oxytocin was administered. They also contended that the cesarean should have been performed earlier to reduce the risk of fetal damage.

The physician maintained that the augmentation of oxytocin was appropriate, given the patient’s lack of progress during labor. In addition, the Ob/Gyn argued that once the mother went into cardiac arrest, and there was a minimal likelihood of successful resuscitation, it was then appropriate to perform the cesarean, which was completed within 17 minutes—well within the standard of care.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Orange County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her obstetrician’s office with irregular contractions and a cervical dilation of 2 to 3 cm. A nonstress test was performed, and the physician advised the patient to go home and come back when her contractions were more regular. When the gravida returned, she was dilated 3 cm, but her contractions remained mild. She was sent to the hospital at 1:30 PM, and her membranes were artificially ruptured at 2:30 PM. However, cervical dilation and mild contractions persisted until 4:30. At 5 PM, oxytocin was administered and increased at 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM. At 5:35 PM, the patient complained of heart palpitations. The nurse turned the woman on her side, gave her oxygen, and withdrew the oxytocin. However, the mother became less responsive and went into cardiac arrest. A Code Blue was ordered at 5:51 PM.

At 6:08 PM, the baby was delivered via cesarean section; the infant was later diagnosed with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy. Early the next morning, the mother died. The autopsy revealed an amniotic fluid embolism.

In suing, the woman’s family claimed that the nurse should not have administered oxytocin and that the dosage was excessive. Further, the fetal monitor tracing showed abnormalities that warranted the withdrawal of the oxytocin prior to when it was finally discontinued. In addition, the plaintiffs argued that the physician should have been present when the oxytocin was administered. They also contended that the cesarean should have been performed earlier to reduce the risk of fetal damage.

The physician maintained that the augmentation of oxytocin was appropriate, given the patient’s lack of progress during labor. In addition, the Ob/Gyn argued that once the mother went into cardiac arrest, and there was a minimal likelihood of successful resuscitation, it was then appropriate to perform the cesarean, which was completed within 17 minutes—well within the standard of care.

The jury returned a verdict for the defense.

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.

Uknown County (Mont) District Court—A 38-year-old woman underwent a routine Pap on November 5, 1997. The nurse assured her that she would be contacted if the results were abnormal. On November 10, the pathology report indicated “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance” (ASCUS). However, the staff never notified the patient of her results and her chart was returned to central filing.

In February 2000, the woman returned for a routine gynecologic exam where she learned of her 1997 results. She underwent a colposcopy and biopsy that showed Stage IIA squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and vagina. She was successfully treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The case settled for $750,000.

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.

Uknown County (Mont) District Court—A 38-year-old woman underwent a routine Pap on November 5, 1997. The nurse assured her that she would be contacted if the results were abnormal. On November 10, the pathology report indicated “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance” (ASCUS). However, the staff never notified the patient of her results and her chart was returned to central filing.

In February 2000, the woman returned for a routine gynecologic exam where she learned of her 1997 results. She underwent a colposcopy and biopsy that showed Stage IIA squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and vagina. She was successfully treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The case settled for $750,000.

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.

Uknown County (Mont) District Court—A 38-year-old woman underwent a routine Pap on November 5, 1997. The nurse assured her that she would be contacted if the results were abnormal. On November 10, the pathology report indicated “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance” (ASCUS). However, the staff never notified the patient of her results and her chart was returned to central filing.

In February 2000, the woman returned for a routine gynecologic exam where she learned of her 1997 results. She underwent a colposcopy and biopsy that showed Stage IIA squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and vagina. She was successfully treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The case settled for $750,000.

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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 56-year-old woman underwent a vaginal hysterectomy with cystocele/rectocele repair. Six months postoperatively, she presented to her Ob/Gyn with a closed and shallow vagina. The physician then performed 4 unsuccessful dilatation procedures.

Another surgeon attempted vaginal reconstruction but also was unsuccessful. The woman now has a permanently closed vagina and cannot have sex.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe estrogen preoperatively to pretreat atrophic vaginal tissue. Further, she maintained that the doctor excessively resected vaginal mucosal tissue.

The Ob/Gyn argued that the patient’s closed vagina was a result of adhesions, a normal complication of this type of surgery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.1 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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 56-year-old woman underwent a vaginal hysterectomy with cystocele/rectocele repair. Six months postoperatively, she presented to her Ob/Gyn with a closed and shallow vagina. The physician then performed 4 unsuccessful dilatation procedures.

Another surgeon attempted vaginal reconstruction but also was unsuccessful. The woman now has a permanently closed vagina and cannot have sex.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe estrogen preoperatively to pretreat atrophic vaginal tissue. Further, she maintained that the doctor excessively resected vaginal mucosal tissue.

The Ob/Gyn argued that the patient’s closed vagina was a result of adhesions, a normal complication of this type of surgery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.1 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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 56-year-old woman underwent a vaginal hysterectomy with cystocele/rectocele repair. Six months postoperatively, she presented to her Ob/Gyn with a closed and shallow vagina. The physician then performed 4 unsuccessful dilatation procedures.

Another surgeon attempted vaginal reconstruction but also was unsuccessful. The woman now has a permanently closed vagina and cannot have sex.

In suing, the patient contended that the physician failed to prescribe estrogen preoperatively to pretreat atrophic vaginal tissue. Further, she maintained that the doctor excessively resected vaginal mucosal tissue.

The Ob/Gyn argued that the patient’s closed vagina was a result of adhesions, a normal complication of this type of surgery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $1.1 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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 31-year-old woman presented to her physician with complaints of abdominal pain and nausea. A sonogram was performed, and she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Three months later, however, large bilateral adnexal masses ruptured, resulting in tuboovarian abscesses and necessitating a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

In suing, the woman claimed that the physicians did not review the sonogram report and erroneously diagnosed her with IBS. Had the clinician properly diagnosed the masses, he could have performed an ovarian cystectomy prior to their rupture, thus preserving her fertility. The physician contended that the woman’s longstanding history of severe endometriosis and a prior myomectomy precluded her from having children naturally.

The case settled for $365,000.

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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 31-year-old woman presented to her physician with complaints of abdominal pain and nausea. A sonogram was performed, and she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Three months later, however, large bilateral adnexal masses ruptured, resulting in tuboovarian abscesses and necessitating a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

In suing, the woman claimed that the physicians did not review the sonogram report and erroneously diagnosed her with IBS. Had the clinician properly diagnosed the masses, he could have performed an ovarian cystectomy prior to their rupture, thus preserving her fertility. The physician contended that the woman’s longstanding history of severe endometriosis and a prior myomectomy precluded her from having children naturally.

The case settled for $365,000.

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.

Queens County (Ny) Supreme Court—A 31-year-old woman presented to her physician with complaints of abdominal pain and nausea. A sonogram was performed, and she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Three months later, however, large bilateral adnexal masses ruptured, resulting in tuboovarian abscesses and necessitating a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

In suing, the woman claimed that the physicians did not review the sonogram report and erroneously diagnosed her with IBS. Had the clinician properly diagnosed the masses, he could have performed an ovarian cystectomy prior to their rupture, thus preserving her fertility. The physician contended that the woman’s longstanding history of severe endometriosis and a prior myomectomy precluded her from having children naturally.

The case settled for $365,000.

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.

Washington County (Wis) Circuit Court—A primipara presented to her Ob/Gyn in labor complaining of pain and fatigue. Because the fetal monitor strips suggested possible abnormal readings, the obstetrician opted to use a vacuum to expedite delivery but was unsuccessful. The physician recommended a cesarean, but the mother refused. After the vacuum device failed once again, the obstetrician attempted forceps delivery. At birth, both the placenta and umbilical cord were infected. The baby was born with severe brain damage. She now suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, requires the use of a wheelchair, and can only communicate via sign language.

In suing, the parents alleged that the physician improperly placed the forceps, causing an obstruction in the blood flow to the fetus’ brain.

The obstetrician contended that the forceps were properly placed and correctly used, and that the child’s brain damage was a result of injuries sustained prior to labor and delivery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $7.25 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.

Washington County (Wis) Circuit Court—A primipara presented to her Ob/Gyn in labor complaining of pain and fatigue. Because the fetal monitor strips suggested possible abnormal readings, the obstetrician opted to use a vacuum to expedite delivery but was unsuccessful. The physician recommended a cesarean, but the mother refused. After the vacuum device failed once again, the obstetrician attempted forceps delivery. At birth, both the placenta and umbilical cord were infected. The baby was born with severe brain damage. She now suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, requires the use of a wheelchair, and can only communicate via sign language.

In suing, the parents alleged that the physician improperly placed the forceps, causing an obstruction in the blood flow to the fetus’ brain.

The obstetrician contended that the forceps were properly placed and correctly used, and that the child’s brain damage was a result of injuries sustained prior to labor and delivery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $7.25 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.

Washington County (Wis) Circuit Court—A primipara presented to her Ob/Gyn in labor complaining of pain and fatigue. Because the fetal monitor strips suggested possible abnormal readings, the obstetrician opted to use a vacuum to expedite delivery but was unsuccessful. The physician recommended a cesarean, but the mother refused. After the vacuum device failed once again, the obstetrician attempted forceps delivery. At birth, both the placenta and umbilical cord were infected. The baby was born with severe brain damage. She now suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, requires the use of a wheelchair, and can only communicate via sign language.

In suing, the parents alleged that the physician improperly placed the forceps, causing an obstruction in the blood flow to the fetus’ brain.

The obstetrician contended that the forceps were properly placed and correctly used, and that the child’s brain damage was a result of injuries sustained prior to labor and delivery.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $7.25 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>Newyork County (Ny) Supreme Court</court>—A gravida at term presented to a hospital in labor at 5:30 AM. Variable decelerations were noted at 8:45, with late decelerations beginning at 9:30. The baby was delivered in acute distress via cesarean at 12:46 PM.

The infant suffered brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy with normal intelligence. In suing, the mother claimed on behalf of her child that the cesarean should have been initiated at 11 AM, not 12:15 PM.

The physician contended that the gravida suffered from chronic uteroplacental insufficiency throughout the pregnancy, which resulted in the infant’s neurological damage.

The case settled 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>Newyork County (Ny) Supreme Court</court>—A gravida at term presented to a hospital in labor at 5:30 AM. Variable decelerations were noted at 8:45, with late decelerations beginning at 9:30. The baby was delivered in acute distress via cesarean at 12:46 PM.

The infant suffered brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy with normal intelligence. In suing, the mother claimed on behalf of her child that the cesarean should have been initiated at 11 AM, not 12:15 PM.

The physician contended that the gravida suffered from chronic uteroplacental insufficiency throughout the pregnancy, which resulted in the infant’s neurological damage.

The case settled 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>Newyork County (Ny) Supreme Court</court>—A gravida at term presented to a hospital in labor at 5:30 AM. Variable decelerations were noted at 8:45, with late decelerations beginning at 9:30. The baby was delivered in acute distress via cesarean at 12:46 PM.

The infant suffered brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy with normal intelligence. In suing, the mother claimed on behalf of her child that the cesarean should have been initiated at 11 AM, not 12:15 PM.

The physician contended that the gravida suffered from chronic uteroplacental insufficiency throughout the pregnancy, which resulted in the infant’s neurological damage.

The case settled 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.