Jury Awards $101M to Family of Son Who Suffered Brain Damage
November 29, 2019
Expectant mothers can often tell when something does not feel right with their pregnancy, particularly if the baby stops moving during the third trimester. This is what happened to a Chicago-area woman who was 34 weeks pregnant with her first child. After noticing that the baby was not moving as much as he normally did, she went to West Suburban Medical Center to make sure that the baby was healthy. Unfortunately, the hospital staff did not monitor the baby’s oxygen levels, causing the baby to be born with severe brain damage. The mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital, arguing that the staff was negligent in the way they cared for her and her unborn baby.
In 2014, the expectant mother arrived at the hospital, where she told the nurses that she was concerned about her baby’s lack of movement. However, according to court documents, the nurses did not call for a doctor to examine the patient. In addition, they did not monitor the woman’s oxygen levels. As a result, the baby suffered serious brain damage after going six hours without receiving enough oxygen to the brain. The process of checking oxygen levels is simple, and one that could have prevented the devastating brain damage.
Now five-years-old, the boy requires 24-hour care, and is unable to walk or talk. While he can smile and laugh, he has very little quality of life, and it has taken a toll on the whole family. The boy’s mother told CBS that the nurses did not provide the basic care that she deserved, and that the family she was planning for was ruined as a result of their negligent behavior. According to a CBS 2 report, the nurse who failed to check on the mother is still employed with the hospital, but the ultrasound tech has since retired.
Negligent Behavior Caused Brain Damage
The jury found that the hospital staff’s failure to call a doctor or check the baby’s oxygen levels was negligent, and that their behavior caused the baby to suffer serious brain damage. The boy’s family was awarded a record-breaking $101 million, which means that the family now has the financial means to bring the boy home and ensure that he has round-the-clock care. According to a statement released by the hospital’s attorney, the hospital has no intention of appealing the verdict. While disappointed with the jury’s verdict, they respect the decision and wish the family well.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Medical Negligence
If you or your baby suffered an injury during your pregnancy, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We understand how devastating it is when your child’s health and safety is jeopardized, particularly at the hands of health care professionals. We will obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve and ensure that your rights are always protected. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
