Birth Injury Lawsuit Leads to $12 Milllion Award

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania must pay $12.6 million to the parents of a child who suffered severe brain damage because of a birth injury that occured at the hospital.

The Legal Intelligencer (subscription required) reports that Roseann and Donald Hoffer alleged that it was discovered that the baby was breech in the couple's final doctor visit. However, the midwife, Carol O'Donoghue, did not immediately order an emergency cesarean section but instead delayed it until the coming week.

The midwife took the decision without consulting a physician and thus the pregnancy moved from low-risk to high-risk, argued the plaintiffs. The delay led to severe brain damage in the child after an emergency delivery became necessary, alleged the plaintiffs.

The 12-member jury found that O'Donoghue was negligent in her care leading to severe injuries in the child, reports the Legal Intelligencer. However, a confidential high-low agreement was reached, so it is unclear how much of the award the plaintiffs will collect.

If you or a loved one has a child who suffered a birth injury that was caused by medical error, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a birth injury lawsuit.

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