A couple have filed a $27 million birth injury lawsuit alleging their son suffered from perinatal asphyxia and other injuries due to medical malpractice at two Puerto Rico hospitals. They claim health care professionals at both facilities, as well as other outside doctors, failed to properly assess and respond to the boy’s birth.
In September 2012, the pregnant mother visited her obstetrician after experiencing pelvic pressure and secretions. Upon review, the obstetrician determined the mother’s cervix was preparing for birth, despite there being no contractions or amniotic rupture. The mother was sent to a nearby hospital, where she underwent induced labor. According to the mother, the baby was found to be in critical condition. His skin was blue from poor circulation, and he did not respond to any external stimuli.
The boy was rushed to intensive care and hooked up to a mechanical ventilator. He was diagnosed with respiratory failure, perinatal asphyxia, and clinical sepsis. After nearly a month of care, the boy was released from treatment. Then in January 2013 doctors diagnosed him with multicystic leukoencephalopathy and microcephaly, from which stemmed a host of motor, mental, and sensory complications, such as seizures and impaired vision and hearing.
The birth injury lawsuit, filed last month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, claims that the obstetrician two other doctors, and other hospital employees, allowed the couple’s child to suffer various birth injuries due to malpractice. The $27 million birth injury lawsuit requests $10 million in compensation for severe physical and mental disabilities, emotional and mental distress, and other trauma to the child; an additional $10 million for medical and related expenses; and $7 million for economic, mental, and emotional damages to the parents.
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, contact the attorneys at Lopez McHugh today to schedule a free legal compensation. We can help you decide whether a birth injury lawsuit is right for you.
