Medical Verdicts

Camden County (Nj) Superior Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her doctor at 7 months’ gestation for high blood pressure.Tests revealed elevated protein levels in her urine, indicating preeclampsia.The physician advised the patient to lie on her side for 2 hours a day. Two days after her office visit, she developed massive vaginal bleeding and a placental abruption was diagnosed. The physician performed an emergency cesarean and delivered a stillborn. The patient remained hospitalized for 8 days after developing an infection.

In suing, the patient claimed the physician failed to diagnose her preeclampsia quickly and accurately.

In his defense, the physician argued that the patient had preeclampsia during delivery, but not during her office visit.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000 and the husband $350,000 for emotional distress.

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.

Camden County (Nj) Superior Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her doctor at 7 months’ gestation for high blood pressure.Tests revealed elevated protein levels in her urine, indicating preeclampsia.The physician advised the patient to lie on her side for 2 hours a day. Two days after her office visit, she developed massive vaginal bleeding and a placental abruption was diagnosed. The physician performed an emergency cesarean and delivered a stillborn. The patient remained hospitalized for 8 days after developing an infection.

In suing, the patient claimed the physician failed to diagnose her preeclampsia quickly and accurately.

In his defense, the physician argued that the patient had preeclampsia during delivery, but not during her office visit.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000 and the husband $350,000 for emotional distress.

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.

Camden County (Nj) Superior Court—A 35-year-old gravida presented to her doctor at 7 months’ gestation for high blood pressure.Tests revealed elevated protein levels in her urine, indicating preeclampsia.The physician advised the patient to lie on her side for 2 hours a day. Two days after her office visit, she developed massive vaginal bleeding and a placental abruption was diagnosed. The physician performed an emergency cesarean and delivered a stillborn. The patient remained hospitalized for 8 days after developing an infection.

In suing, the patient claimed the physician failed to diagnose her preeclampsia quickly and accurately.

In his defense, the physician argued that the patient had preeclampsia during delivery, but not during her office visit.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000 and the husband $350,000 for emotional distress.

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.

Philadelphia (Pa) Court Of Common Pleas—A woman with infertility and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APA) was advised to have heparin and aspirin therapy in addition to invitro fertilization. On the day of oocyte retrieval, 18 eggs were harvested. An ultrasound was performed immediately afterward, which showed a large amount of free fluid in the patient’s pelvis.

About 3 hours later, the patient underwent treatment for APA at another site, during which she became hypotensive. The nurse terminated the therapy and contacted the woman’s physician, who arrived about 90 minutes later. When he examined the patient, she was lethargic and hallucinating. At that time, her husband, an Ob/Gyn, was contacted. He transported her to the hospital where he worked and performed emergency surgery, discovering a massive hemoperitoneum. The bleeding was controlled, and the patient was transferred to an ICU postoperatively. However, 2 days later she suffered a cardiac arrest; 9 days later, she died.

In suing, the husband claimed the ultrasound had demonstrated a large amount of blood in his wife’s abdomen. Further, he argued that his wife bled for 5 hours while under the physician’s care.

The physician countered that he had not been made aware of the ultrasound findings. Additionally, he claimed the woman should have been taken to an emergency room and that her husband was emotionally distracted during the surgery. Furthermore, he maintained that since the decedent and her husband were both physicians, they were aware of the risks involved in administering aspirin during egg retrieval, including the possibility of internal bleeding.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $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.

Philadelphia (Pa) Court Of Common Pleas—A woman with infertility and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APA) was advised to have heparin and aspirin therapy in addition to invitro fertilization. On the day of oocyte retrieval, 18 eggs were harvested. An ultrasound was performed immediately afterward, which showed a large amount of free fluid in the patient’s pelvis.

About 3 hours later, the patient underwent treatment for APA at another site, during which she became hypotensive. The nurse terminated the therapy and contacted the woman’s physician, who arrived about 90 minutes later. When he examined the patient, she was lethargic and hallucinating. At that time, her husband, an Ob/Gyn, was contacted. He transported her to the hospital where he worked and performed emergency surgery, discovering a massive hemoperitoneum. The bleeding was controlled, and the patient was transferred to an ICU postoperatively. However, 2 days later she suffered a cardiac arrest; 9 days later, she died.

In suing, the husband claimed the ultrasound had demonstrated a large amount of blood in his wife’s abdomen. Further, he argued that his wife bled for 5 hours while under the physician’s care.

The physician countered that he had not been made aware of the ultrasound findings. Additionally, he claimed the woman should have been taken to an emergency room and that her husband was emotionally distracted during the surgery. Furthermore, he maintained that since the decedent and her husband were both physicians, they were aware of the risks involved in administering aspirin during egg retrieval, including the possibility of internal bleeding.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $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.

Philadelphia (Pa) Court Of Common Pleas—A woman with infertility and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APA) was advised to have heparin and aspirin therapy in addition to invitro fertilization. On the day of oocyte retrieval, 18 eggs were harvested. An ultrasound was performed immediately afterward, which showed a large amount of free fluid in the patient’s pelvis.

About 3 hours later, the patient underwent treatment for APA at another site, during which she became hypotensive. The nurse terminated the therapy and contacted the woman’s physician, who arrived about 90 minutes later. When he examined the patient, she was lethargic and hallucinating. At that time, her husband, an Ob/Gyn, was contacted. He transported her to the hospital where he worked and performed emergency surgery, discovering a massive hemoperitoneum. The bleeding was controlled, and the patient was transferred to an ICU postoperatively. However, 2 days later she suffered a cardiac arrest; 9 days later, she died.

In suing, the husband claimed the ultrasound had demonstrated a large amount of blood in his wife’s abdomen. Further, he argued that his wife bled for 5 hours while under the physician’s care.

The physician countered that he had not been made aware of the ultrasound findings. Additionally, he claimed the woman should have been taken to an emergency room and that her husband was emotionally distracted during the surgery. Furthermore, he maintained that since the decedent and her husband were both physicians, they were aware of the risks involved in administering aspirin during egg retrieval, including the possibility of internal bleeding.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $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.

Dutchess County(Ny) Supreme Court—After suffering a miscarriage on March 18, a woman underwent dilatation and evacuation (D & E). Following the procedure, she experienced lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, and dyspareunia. A hysterosalpingogram was performed on May 26. Later that year, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Two years later, a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed.

In suing, the woman claimed that she developed an upper-reproductive-tract infection as a result of the hysterosalpingogram, which went undetected and led to PID. In addition, she argued that the obstetrician should have conducted diagnostic tests and prescribed antibiotics, thereby eliminating the need for hysterectomy.

The physician maintained that the patient had no signs or symptoms of an upper-reproductive-tract infection during her pelvic examinations; therefore, no testing was necessary. The defendant also argued that the patient did not suffer from PID but claimed the pathology report following her hysterectomy showed adenomyosis.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Dutchess County(Ny) Supreme Court—After suffering a miscarriage on March 18, a woman underwent dilatation and evacuation (D & E). Following the procedure, she experienced lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, and dyspareunia. A hysterosalpingogram was performed on May 26. Later that year, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Two years later, a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed.

In suing, the woman claimed that she developed an upper-reproductive-tract infection as a result of the hysterosalpingogram, which went undetected and led to PID. In addition, she argued that the obstetrician should have conducted diagnostic tests and prescribed antibiotics, thereby eliminating the need for hysterectomy.

The physician maintained that the patient had no signs or symptoms of an upper-reproductive-tract infection during her pelvic examinations; therefore, no testing was necessary. The defendant also argued that the patient did not suffer from PID but claimed the pathology report following her hysterectomy showed adenomyosis.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Dutchess County(Ny) Supreme Court—After suffering a miscarriage on March 18, a woman underwent dilatation and evacuation (D & E). Following the procedure, she experienced lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, and dyspareunia. A hysterosalpingogram was performed on May 26. Later that year, she developed pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Two years later, a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed.

In suing, the woman claimed that she developed an upper-reproductive-tract infection as a result of the hysterosalpingogram, which went undetected and led to PID. In addition, she argued that the obstetrician should have conducted diagnostic tests and prescribed antibiotics, thereby eliminating the need for hysterectomy.

The physician maintained that the patient had no signs or symptoms of an upper-reproductive-tract infection during her pelvic examinations; therefore, no testing was necessary. The defendant also argued that the patient did not suffer from PID but claimed the pathology report following her hysterectomy showed adenomyosis.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Los Angeles County (Calif) Superior Court—On June 22, a gravida presented to a clinic complaining she had not felt fetal movement for the past week. On June 24, an ultrasound revealed marked oligohydramnios. The patient immediately underwent a nonstress test, which demonstrated a non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern at 3:30 p.m. As such, the family practitioner determined that the baby needed to be delivered by cesarean section and promptly contacted an Ob/Gyn. The physician was called again at 4:30 p.m. and arrived at 5:18 p.m. The baby was delivered via cesarean section at 6:08 p.m.

At delivery, the infant was heavily stained with meconium and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times. The child is now blind, microcephalic, tube-fed, and requires supplemental oxygen.

In suing, the parents contended that the Ob/Gyn was negligent for the following: not ascertaining the true nature of the fetal distress at 3:30 p.m., arriving at the hospital approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes after the initial call, and waiting 50 minutes to deliver the infant.

The physician maintained that the neurologic damage occurred 3 to 5 hours prior to delivery based on the presentation of the infant at delivery, the placental pathology, and the FHR tracing.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Los Angeles County (Calif) Superior Court—On June 22, a gravida presented to a clinic complaining she had not felt fetal movement for the past week. On June 24, an ultrasound revealed marked oligohydramnios. The patient immediately underwent a nonstress test, which demonstrated a non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern at 3:30 p.m. As such, the family practitioner determined that the baby needed to be delivered by cesarean section and promptly contacted an Ob/Gyn. The physician was called again at 4:30 p.m. and arrived at 5:18 p.m. The baby was delivered via cesarean section at 6:08 p.m.

At delivery, the infant was heavily stained with meconium and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times. The child is now blind, microcephalic, tube-fed, and requires supplemental oxygen.

In suing, the parents contended that the Ob/Gyn was negligent for the following: not ascertaining the true nature of the fetal distress at 3:30 p.m., arriving at the hospital approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes after the initial call, and waiting 50 minutes to deliver the infant.

The physician maintained that the neurologic damage occurred 3 to 5 hours prior to delivery based on the presentation of the infant at delivery, the placental pathology, and the FHR tracing.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Los Angeles County (Calif) Superior Court—On June 22, a gravida presented to a clinic complaining she had not felt fetal movement for the past week. On June 24, an ultrasound revealed marked oligohydramnios. The patient immediately underwent a nonstress test, which demonstrated a non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern at 3:30 p.m. As such, the family practitioner determined that the baby needed to be delivered by cesarean section and promptly contacted an Ob/Gyn. The physician was called again at 4:30 p.m. and arrived at 5:18 p.m. The baby was delivered via cesarean section at 6:08 p.m.

At delivery, the infant was heavily stained with meconium and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 4 times. The child is now blind, microcephalic, tube-fed, and requires supplemental oxygen.

In suing, the parents contended that the Ob/Gyn was negligent for the following: not ascertaining the true nature of the fetal distress at 3:30 p.m., arriving at the hospital approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes after the initial call, and waiting 50 minutes to deliver the infant.

The physician maintained that the neurologic damage occurred 3 to 5 hours prior to delivery based on the presentation of the infant at delivery, the placental pathology, and the FHR tracing.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

San Diego County (Calif) Superior Court—A 21-year-old woman was treated for genital warts. At the end of her treatment, the physician applied what he believed to be a 5% acetic acid solution to her vulvar tissue. However, the nurse accidentally handed the doctor an 80% solution.

In suing, the patient claimed that the acid burned the “deep dermal” layer of her skin, causing subclinical neural damage and dyspareunia. As a result, she required biofeedback therapy, vaginal dilation, estrogen replacement therapy, and psychological counseling.

The Ob/Gyn argued that a minimal amount of 80% acetic acid was used and that the first- and second-degree genital burns the woman received were superficial, resolving within 3 months. Furthermore, he claimed that the source of the patient’s problems was vulvar vestibulitis, a condition that existed prior to her chemical burns.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $126,000.

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.

San Diego County (Calif) Superior Court—A 21-year-old woman was treated for genital warts. At the end of her treatment, the physician applied what he believed to be a 5% acetic acid solution to her vulvar tissue. However, the nurse accidentally handed the doctor an 80% solution.

In suing, the patient claimed that the acid burned the “deep dermal” layer of her skin, causing subclinical neural damage and dyspareunia. As a result, she required biofeedback therapy, vaginal dilation, estrogen replacement therapy, and psychological counseling.

The Ob/Gyn argued that a minimal amount of 80% acetic acid was used and that the first- and second-degree genital burns the woman received were superficial, resolving within 3 months. Furthermore, he claimed that the source of the patient’s problems was vulvar vestibulitis, a condition that existed prior to her chemical burns.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $126,000.

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.

San Diego County (Calif) Superior Court—A 21-year-old woman was treated for genital warts. At the end of her treatment, the physician applied what he believed to be a 5% acetic acid solution to her vulvar tissue. However, the nurse accidentally handed the doctor an 80% solution.

In suing, the patient claimed that the acid burned the “deep dermal” layer of her skin, causing subclinical neural damage and dyspareunia. As a result, she required biofeedback therapy, vaginal dilation, estrogen replacement therapy, and psychological counseling.

The Ob/Gyn argued that a minimal amount of 80% acetic acid was used and that the first- and second-degree genital burns the woman received were superficial, resolving within 3 months. Furthermore, he claimed that the source of the patient’s problems was vulvar vestibulitis, a condition that existed prior to her chemical burns.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $126,000.

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.

Manitowac county (Wis) Circuit court—A gravida presented to a hospital at term for induction of labor. The woman was placed on 56 mU of oxytocin and, after 18 hours, the cervix completely dilated. During that time, the nurse twice reduced the oxytocin due to concerns about decreasing variability in the fetal heart rate. However, the Ob/Gyn instructed the nurse to resume induction and let labor continue. The nurse then withdrew the oxytocin when late decelerations developed. Eventually, the decelerations disappeared and variability improved.

Early the next morning, the physician assessed the patient and noted that the fetal station was +1, the baby’s head was occiput posterior, and the mother had a narrow pubic arch. He attempted a vacuum delivery. After 20 minutes with only minimal progress and some rotation, he switched to forceps, delivered the fetal head, and encountered shoulder dystocia.

At birth, the baby was hypotonic and needed to be resuscitated, and her Apgars were 0 and 3. A 3-month MRI showed bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia damage. The child has severe cerebral palsy and spastic quadriparesis and needs a feeding tube.

In suing, the parents argued that the attempted rotation with the vacuum caused cord compression and deprived the fetus of adequate oxygen. The physician claimed he was using the + or -3 classification system for the station of the fetal head, asopposed to the + or -5 system. Therefore, he stated, his decision to opt for vacuum delivery when the fetal head was at +1 was within the standard of care.

The case settled before trial for $3.5 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.

Manitowac county (Wis) Circuit court—A gravida presented to a hospital at term for induction of labor. The woman was placed on 56 mU of oxytocin and, after 18 hours, the cervix completely dilated. During that time, the nurse twice reduced the oxytocin due to concerns about decreasing variability in the fetal heart rate. However, the Ob/Gyn instructed the nurse to resume induction and let labor continue. The nurse then withdrew the oxytocin when late decelerations developed. Eventually, the decelerations disappeared and variability improved.

Early the next morning, the physician assessed the patient and noted that the fetal station was +1, the baby’s head was occiput posterior, and the mother had a narrow pubic arch. He attempted a vacuum delivery. After 20 minutes with only minimal progress and some rotation, he switched to forceps, delivered the fetal head, and encountered shoulder dystocia.

At birth, the baby was hypotonic and needed to be resuscitated, and her Apgars were 0 and 3. A 3-month MRI showed bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia damage. The child has severe cerebral palsy and spastic quadriparesis and needs a feeding tube.

In suing, the parents argued that the attempted rotation with the vacuum caused cord compression and deprived the fetus of adequate oxygen. The physician claimed he was using the + or -3 classification system for the station of the fetal head, asopposed to the + or -5 system. Therefore, he stated, his decision to opt for vacuum delivery when the fetal head was at +1 was within the standard of care.

The case settled before trial for $3.5 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.

Manitowac county (Wis) Circuit court—A gravida presented to a hospital at term for induction of labor. The woman was placed on 56 mU of oxytocin and, after 18 hours, the cervix completely dilated. During that time, the nurse twice reduced the oxytocin due to concerns about decreasing variability in the fetal heart rate. However, the Ob/Gyn instructed the nurse to resume induction and let labor continue. The nurse then withdrew the oxytocin when late decelerations developed. Eventually, the decelerations disappeared and variability improved.

Early the next morning, the physician assessed the patient and noted that the fetal station was +1, the baby’s head was occiput posterior, and the mother had a narrow pubic arch. He attempted a vacuum delivery. After 20 minutes with only minimal progress and some rotation, he switched to forceps, delivered the fetal head, and encountered shoulder dystocia.

At birth, the baby was hypotonic and needed to be resuscitated, and her Apgars were 0 and 3. A 3-month MRI showed bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia damage. The child has severe cerebral palsy and spastic quadriparesis and needs a feeding tube.

In suing, the parents argued that the attempted rotation with the vacuum caused cord compression and deprived the fetus of adequate oxygen. The physician claimed he was using the + or -3 classification system for the station of the fetal head, asopposed to the + or -5 system. Therefore, he stated, his decision to opt for vacuum delivery when the fetal head was at +1 was within the standard of care.

The case settled before trial for $3.5 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.

Hillsborough County (Md) Circuit Court—A gravida underwent induction of labor, during which shoulder dystocia was encountered. The obstetrician performed 3 different maneuvers in an attempt to release the shoulder and deliver the baby. He eventually was successful.

In suing, the parents alleged that the Ob/Gyn applied excessive lateral traction by pulling the head downward with such force that it tore the nerves in the infant’s neck, causing Erb’s palsy. In defense, the physician claimed the injury was the result of the natural expulsion forces of labor combined with non-negligent lateral traction, which was necessary for delivery.

The jury awarded the parents $1.5 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.

Hillsborough County (Md) Circuit Court—A gravida underwent induction of labor, during which shoulder dystocia was encountered. The obstetrician performed 3 different maneuvers in an attempt to release the shoulder and deliver the baby. He eventually was successful.

In suing, the parents alleged that the Ob/Gyn applied excessive lateral traction by pulling the head downward with such force that it tore the nerves in the infant’s neck, causing Erb’s palsy. In defense, the physician claimed the injury was the result of the natural expulsion forces of labor combined with non-negligent lateral traction, which was necessary for delivery.

The jury awarded the parents $1.5 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.

Hillsborough County (Md) Circuit Court—A gravida underwent induction of labor, during which shoulder dystocia was encountered. The obstetrician performed 3 different maneuvers in an attempt to release the shoulder and deliver the baby. He eventually was successful.

In suing, the parents alleged that the Ob/Gyn applied excessive lateral traction by pulling the head downward with such force that it tore the nerves in the infant’s neck, causing Erb’s palsy. In defense, the physician claimed the injury was the result of the natural expulsion forces of labor combined with non-negligent lateral traction, which was necessary for delivery.

The jury awarded the parents $1.5 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.

Dallas County (Tex) District Court—On September 21, a gravida, suffering from severe back pain at term, presented to the emergency room. An ultrasound revealed a mass in front of the patient’s uterus interpreted as a hematoma due to blood loss from a leak in the common iliac artery. She underwent an iliac graft and cesarean delivery of a stillborn infant. Seven days later, the woman died from massive organ failure.

The patient’s family sued, arguing that the primary obstetricians caused 2 deaths as a result of their failure to diagnose the common iliac artery leak. Denying negligence, the defendants claimed that the woman had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which led to the deaths.

The jury awarded the plaintiffs $440,514.

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.

Dallas County (Tex) District Court—On September 21, a gravida, suffering from severe back pain at term, presented to the emergency room. An ultrasound revealed a mass in front of the patient’s uterus interpreted as a hematoma due to blood loss from a leak in the common iliac artery. She underwent an iliac graft and cesarean delivery of a stillborn infant. Seven days later, the woman died from massive organ failure.

The patient’s family sued, arguing that the primary obstetricians caused 2 deaths as a result of their failure to diagnose the common iliac artery leak. Denying negligence, the defendants claimed that the woman had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which led to the deaths.

The jury awarded the plaintiffs $440,514.

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.

Dallas County (Tex) District Court—On September 21, a gravida, suffering from severe back pain at term, presented to the emergency room. An ultrasound revealed a mass in front of the patient’s uterus interpreted as a hematoma due to blood loss from a leak in the common iliac artery. She underwent an iliac graft and cesarean delivery of a stillborn infant. Seven days later, the woman died from massive organ failure.

The patient’s family sued, arguing that the primary obstetricians caused 2 deaths as a result of their failure to diagnose the common iliac artery leak. Denying negligence, the defendants claimed that the woman had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, which led to the deaths.

The jury awarded the plaintiffs $440,514.

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.

Montgomery County (Md) Circuit Court—A 28-year-old-woman presented to a clinic to undergo an abortion, which was performed successfully under general anesthesia. In the recovery room, the nurses had difficulty waking the patient, so the anesthesiologist prescribed medication to hasten her recovery. The nurses, however, discovered the patient was suffering a hypoxic event due to an obstructed airway. They attempted to oxygenate the patient using a pediatric-sized resuscitation bag but did not try to intubate her. The patient died 12 hours later due to irreversible brain damage.

In suing, the patient’s family claimed that the clinic failed to properly monitor the woman because it did not have a pulse oximeter machine nor enough Dyna-Map machines to monitor her blood pressure. Further, there were no adult resuscitation bags, and the nurses failed to use an EKG machine when trying to resuscitate her. In defense, the anesthesiologist said the nurses did not alert her to any problems, but the clinic nurses said the physician was aware of the patient’s problem but failed to check her condition.

In a settlement agreement, the plaintiffs received $1.3 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.

Montgomery County (Md) Circuit Court—A 28-year-old-woman presented to a clinic to undergo an abortion, which was performed successfully under general anesthesia. In the recovery room, the nurses had difficulty waking the patient, so the anesthesiologist prescribed medication to hasten her recovery. The nurses, however, discovered the patient was suffering a hypoxic event due to an obstructed airway. They attempted to oxygenate the patient using a pediatric-sized resuscitation bag but did not try to intubate her. The patient died 12 hours later due to irreversible brain damage.

In suing, the patient’s family claimed that the clinic failed to properly monitor the woman because it did not have a pulse oximeter machine nor enough Dyna-Map machines to monitor her blood pressure. Further, there were no adult resuscitation bags, and the nurses failed to use an EKG machine when trying to resuscitate her. In defense, the anesthesiologist said the nurses did not alert her to any problems, but the clinic nurses said the physician was aware of the patient’s problem but failed to check her condition.

In a settlement agreement, the plaintiffs received $1.3 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.

Montgomery County (Md) Circuit Court—A 28-year-old-woman presented to a clinic to undergo an abortion, which was performed successfully under general anesthesia. In the recovery room, the nurses had difficulty waking the patient, so the anesthesiologist prescribed medication to hasten her recovery. The nurses, however, discovered the patient was suffering a hypoxic event due to an obstructed airway. They attempted to oxygenate the patient using a pediatric-sized resuscitation bag but did not try to intubate her. The patient died 12 hours later due to irreversible brain damage.

In suing, the patient’s family claimed that the clinic failed to properly monitor the woman because it did not have a pulse oximeter machine nor enough Dyna-Map machines to monitor her blood pressure. Further, there were no adult resuscitation bags, and the nurses failed to use an EKG machine when trying to resuscitate her. In defense, the anesthesiologist said the nurses did not alert her to any problems, but the clinic nurses said the physician was aware of the patient’s problem but failed to check her condition.

In a settlement agreement, the plaintiffs received $1.3 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.

Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court—An Ob/Gyn vaginally delivered an infant weighing 10 lb, 11 oz. During the delivery, shoulder dystocia occurred. The child suffered Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s paralysis in his right arm. The mother sustained a fourth-degree laceration and subsequently developed a rectovaginal fistula, which required repair.

The woman sued, claiming the Ob/Gyn should have performed a cesarean delivery because of her history of fibroids and obesity, the fetus’ accelerated growth rate, and arrest of descent during labor, which required the use of oxytocin. She argued that the physician attempted vacuum extraction without a clinical indication and used improper delivery maneuvers and fundal pressure.

According to the defense, the pregnancy was normal. The fibroids did not pose a problem, and the ultrasounds showed normal fetal growth. In addition to contending that the dystocia was severe and unpredictable, the defendant testified that all delivery maneuvers were correct, fundal pressure wasn’t used, and the rectovaginal fistula was a known complication of the repair of a fourth-degree laceration.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court—An Ob/Gyn vaginally delivered an infant weighing 10 lb, 11 oz. During the delivery, shoulder dystocia occurred. The child suffered Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s paralysis in his right arm. The mother sustained a fourth-degree laceration and subsequently developed a rectovaginal fistula, which required repair.

The woman sued, claiming the Ob/Gyn should have performed a cesarean delivery because of her history of fibroids and obesity, the fetus’ accelerated growth rate, and arrest of descent during labor, which required the use of oxytocin. She argued that the physician attempted vacuum extraction without a clinical indication and used improper delivery maneuvers and fundal pressure.

According to the defense, the pregnancy was normal. The fibroids did not pose a problem, and the ultrasounds showed normal fetal growth. In addition to contending that the dystocia was severe and unpredictable, the defendant testified that all delivery maneuvers were correct, fundal pressure wasn’t used, and the rectovaginal fistula was a known complication of the repair of a fourth-degree laceration.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.

Cook County (Ill) Circuit Court—An Ob/Gyn vaginally delivered an infant weighing 10 lb, 11 oz. During the delivery, shoulder dystocia occurred. The child suffered Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s paralysis in his right arm. The mother sustained a fourth-degree laceration and subsequently developed a rectovaginal fistula, which required repair.

The woman sued, claiming the Ob/Gyn should have performed a cesarean delivery because of her history of fibroids and obesity, the fetus’ accelerated growth rate, and arrest of descent during labor, which required the use of oxytocin. She argued that the physician attempted vacuum extraction without a clinical indication and used improper delivery maneuvers and fundal pressure.

According to the defense, the pregnancy was normal. The fibroids did not pose a problem, and the ultrasounds showed normal fetal growth. In addition to contending that the dystocia was severe and unpredictable, the defendant testified that all delivery maneuvers were correct, fundal pressure wasn’t used, and the rectovaginal fistula was a known complication of the repair of a fourth-degree laceration.

The jury returned a defense verdict.

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.