$4,000,000 HIE Brain Injury

Labor induced at 38 weeks gestation was progressing well post-administration of Pitocin drip until the fetal heart rate monitor alarm sounded because the baby’s heart rate dropped critically low.  The Labor & Delivery team responded by having the mother change positions. Still, the baby’s heart rate did not rebound from its critically low level and remained at this life-threatening low level for over 20 minutes before an emergency c-section was ordered. The delay in delivering this baby in fetal distress caused permanent, profound HIE brain injury. The case was settled before trial.