While every state has its own set of laws that govern medical malpractice, it can be very interesting for residents in one state to see and learn what happens in others. Massachusetts residents concerned about birth injuries may be particularly interested in a recent jury award made to a mother and her son in Illinois.
The boy, now 12 years old, was born with cerebral palsy that has rendered him unable to care for himself. For the rest of his life he will require help with the most basic tasks of daily living including going to the bathroom and getting dressed. At the end of what had been a trouble-free pregnancy to that point, the boy’s mother went to the hospital at near full term, indicating her baby was not moving much.
Lack of action on the part of hospital personnel left the unborn baby to suffer a severe lack of oxygen to the brain which, in turn resulted in the development of the cerebral palsy. The plaintiffs alleged that the medical staff failed to perform a C-section when needed and did not adequately test or monitor either the mother or the baby. The total jury award in favor of the boy and his mother was $53 million.
Cases like these may give hope to otherwise discouraged parents whose children have also been severely injured at birth by the very people supposed to help them. People who face such situations may find it helpful to discuss their case with an attorney to learn about how to seek compensation.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Jury hits U. of C. hospital with $53 million malpractice verdict,” Becky Yerak, June 30, 2016
