The United States has just been ordered to pay $42 million to the family of a baby who suffered catastrophic injuries during delivery as a result of a doctor's negligent use of forceps. According to reports, an obstetrician at a federally funded womens' hospital used execssive force in using the instruments, resulting in an infant being delivered with a cracked skulll and significant damage to areas of his brain.
The negligent or improper use of forceps is just one complication of delivery that may result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Other areas of concern include delays in performing a cesarean section - or recommending one - when the conditions warrant, improper use of vacuum extraction and medication errors. when harm does occur, often the effects last a life time.
In this instance, the recovery will go towards paying for future medical costs, such as surgeries, physical therapy and long-time care. Additional damages included future economic losses, based on the assumption that the child would have received an associates degree and obtain employment. Further, a portion of the recovery covered non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and the loss of lifes pleasures.
For more information or if you believe that your child has been harmed as the result of medical negligence, please contact our experienced Los Angeles birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
