$2,250,000
Baby Suffers Birth Asphyxia with Resultant Brain Damage after Mother's Uterus Ruptures
The mother went to the hospital for a trial of labor, despite a previous Cesarean Section for a prior child ("VBAC"). During labor, signs of fetal distress occurred due to an impending uterine rupture. The nurse midwife managing the labor at a local HMO failed to recognize the signs of fetal distress and uterine rupture, and allowed the labor to continue too long. Finally, the obstetrician was called in, and an emergency Cesarean Section was performed. Unfortunately, the baby suffered severe brain damage from lack of oxygen ("birth asphyxia"). Although his intelligence is intact, he suffers from spastic quadriparesis and developmental delay ("cerebral palsy").