The birth of a child is supposed to be a happy occasion for mothers and families in Illinois. Unfortunately, any number of complications can arise during birth, and sometimes, infants suffer severe birth injuries as a result. One case was recently concluded in the state after a jury in Cook County awarded a mother $20 million.
Birth injuries and lawsuit
In 2014, a woman went into labor and went to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn for her delivery. During the delivery, staff allegedly failed to act in time to prevent complications, and the child developed permanent brain damage as a result. The boy, who is now 7 years old, will require extensive treatment and personal and financial care for the rest of his life. He will probably never be able to live alone and support himself.
The mother filed suit against Advocate Health, and the trial lasted three weeks. After a six-hour deliberation, jurors ruled in the mother’s favor in eight of the nine allegations of negligence against the hospital and its staff, but they absolved the delivery doctor who performed a cesarean section of any wrongdoing. Still, the jury awarded the mother a substantial sum of money.
Seeking legal counsel
Those in Illinois whose children suffered birth injuries during labor and delivery have rights to pursue compensation against their medical providers in cases of negligence or wrongdoing. A family dealing with this type of issue can reach out to an experienced medical malpractice attorney for help. A lawyer will analyze all aspects of the case and fight zealously to help the mother and family obtain the maximum amount of compensation they will need to care for their child.