Judge awards $42M in federal birth injury case

The parents of a boy who suffered serious brain injuries during birth have been awarded a sum of $42 million. The baby was wounded with forceps during his delivery in 2012, according to the report. The suit was filed against the federal government since the doctor who delivered the child and the center where the baby was born were both federally funded. In Louisiana, as in other states, parents are well within their rights to file suits for a birth injury.

The bench trial lasted six days. Afterwards, the judge ordered what is believed to be the largest award ever for a medical malpractice case in the state. The boy, who is now five years old, can understand when others speak, but he cannot speak himself. He cannot read or write, he tires easily, and he will probably be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He has emotional outbursts and will need life-long supervision, which will likely end with a need to be institutionalized when he is in his 20s.

The center where he was born issued an apology, stating that they were sad about the outcome of the birth and sorry for the hardships that it would have on the family. They added that they perform thousands of healthy births each year, but that does not subtract from the seriousness of this boy’s injuries. The center also assured the court that they have taken all steps to ensure that this does not happen again.

A birth injury can completely change the lives of the baby and its family. Anyone in the state of Louisiana whose family has suffered a loss or devastation because of any type of medical malpractice have the right to contact a personal injury attorney. This type of lawyer is experienced and knowledgeable in how to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Source: pennlive.com, “Judge awards parents $42M in federal malpractice lawsuit“, Eric Veronikis, April 20, 2017