Midwife negligence results in medical malpractice claim

Florida doctors are expected to provide a certain level of care to their patients. Patients rely on their physicians and other medical professionals to address their medical needs. But when a doctor or nurse is negligent, the impact on the patient can be devastating. When this occurs, the patient can seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice claim.

Sometimes, a medical professional can make a mistake even during the birth of a child. Birth injuries can cause a lifetime of suffering and permanent disability for a child. But what can be done in this type of situation?

A father filed a medical malpractice lawsuit on behalf of his daughter, claiming that the negligence of a midwife overseeing the little girl’s birth resulted in permanent disability. During her birth, there were complications that likely led to a lack of oxygen in the fetus. As a result, the young girl has spent the last 10 years unable to see or speak, and has had to rely on others to move and eat.

In response to the lawsuit, an attorney for the midwife argued that she had taken appropriate steps given the situation. But even so, the jury determined that the midwife failed to provide adequate care. Because that failure led to the girl’s injuries, the jury awarded the young girl a multi-million dollar award.

While no amount of money will enable the little girl to run and play like other girls her age, it will help provide for all of the medical expenses that she will no doubt have over the course of her life.

Source: Sun Journal online, “Disabled girl awarded $3M in medical malpractice case,” Christopher Williams, 01 July 2011