Hospital negligence results in botched pregnancy

Many couples across the nation, including Louisiana, dream of having children of their own. Some are able to easily conceive, and others feel that adoption is the best option for them. However, there are some who desperately wish to carry and give birth to their own child, but find it difficult to conceive. Many of these couples turn to fertility treatments or in vitro fertilization, which can be expensive and time-consuming, so even small mistakes can have devastating results. One family was awarded $26 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit that claimed hospital negligence was the reason for the death of one twin and the permanent injury of the other.

During her 20th week of pregnancy, a mother expecting twins went to the Maimonides Medical Center because she was experiencing what she thought might have been unusual spotting and cramping. A trainee doctor felt that there was no need to be alarmed and sent her home. However, the bleeding did not stop but instead worsened. She returned to the medical center and, after another examination, was told by another trainee doctor that there were no changes and that she should return home. She later called the doctor about her concerns but was told not to worry.

A week later the expecting mother returned to the hospital for a routine sonogram, only to discover that one of her twins was already crowning. Doctors were able to delay her labor for another 11 days. However, during those 11 days, the mother was repeatedly moved to different beds in the hospital. At one point she was told that her children may not live, and she was placed on the post-delivery floor with the new mothers.

When the twin girls were born they were very small, only 1.5 pounds each. One of the twins survived, but she is deaf, unable to speak and suffered from kidney failure. Unfortunately, the second twin died after only one month.

These parents filed a lawsuit, claiming that hospital negligence was the reason behind their first child’s injuries and their second child’s death. People living in Louisiana who believe that they or their family members are victims of medical malpractice may benefit from speaking with an attorney. A lawyer can help clients to pursue recovery of compensation for any additional medical costs, funeral costs and/or pain and suffering.

Source: New York Post, “Jury awards $26M to parents after alleging hospital botched pregnancy“, Julia Marsh, Nov. 5, 2017