Family awarded $42 million in birth injury suit

Birth can be a very difficult process for both mother and child as many Louisiana residents know. Sometimes, the doctor must help the process along by using tools like forceps. However, if these tools are used improperly, they can cause serious injury to the mother or to the child. Recently, the parents of a disabled boy were awarded $42 million in a birth injury lawsuit.

The child was born in February of 2012 at Chambersburg Hospital. During the delivery, the obstetrician began using forceps even though neither the mother nor the child was in distress. The doctor used the forceps to grab the child’s head, and it was noted the doctor had a red, sweating face as though he were struggling to pull the child out.

When he grabbed the child’s head with the forceps, it caused skull fractures and brain bleeding. These injuries also resulted in permanent brain damage. A jury awarded the family more than $40 million to cover the boy’s past and future medical care, the child’s pain and suffering, and the loss of future earnings. The federal government originally planned to file an appeal but withdrew and agreed to pay the previously awarded sum.

Injuries suffered by children during birth can be life altering, and the care that they may require later in life because of these injuries can be very expensive. Louisiana residents who feel that their child suffered a birth injury may wish to contact an attorney. The victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Source: dailyjournal.net, “Feds to pay $42M to parents of boy hurt by forceps delivery”, Feb.1, 2018