Lack of oxygen prior to birth results in HIE injury

On the day of delivery, the plaintiff, 40 weeks gestation, went to the hospital with onset of contractions with vaginal bleeding. She continued to have a small amount of bleeding that was diagnosed as bloody show, a normal finding. As time passed, the plaintiff had worsening abdominal pain. Fetal monitor tracings went from category 1 to category 2. The fetal monitor tracings continued to deteriorate as the plaintiff baby was not getting enough oxygen.

An emergency C-section was eventually performed under general anesthesia. Upon entering the abdominal cavity, blood was found, and a total placental abruption was diagnosed. Apgars scores 0, 1 &1 and umbilical cord gases showed profound metabolic acidosis. Plaintiff baby was diagnosed with HIE from lack of oxygen prior to birth. Hypothermia cooling was performed for HIE to help to limit the amount of brain injury. As a result of HIE, plaintiff baby suffered a severe brain injury and will require 24-hour care for life. Damages included spastic quadriplegia and severe cognitive deficits.

Placental pathology findings confirmed placental abruption.

Plaintiff’s law firm provided case information.

Type of action: Birth trauma medical malpractice

Injuries alleged: Severe brain injury

Name of case: Confidential

Court/Date: Confidential; 07/06/2023

Tried before: Mediation

Settlement amount: $9,500,000

Most helpful expert: InFocus Research Group

Attorneys for plaintiff: Jesse M. Reiter, Anne L. Randall and James R. McCullen, Bloomfield Twp.

 

Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.