It is worth noting that situations similar to those described in this medical malpractice case could just as easily occur at any of the healthcare facilities in the area, such as Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy, Methodist, or Sutter.
(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this personal injury lawsuit and its proceedings.)
Defense obstetrics expert James Pale opined that the nursing care and treatment were up to the standard of care at all times. He added that there was never any convincing evidence of maternal hyperstimulation or fetal distress.
The defense also argued that nurses have implied discretion over Picotin levels, and that they are allowed to change dosage levels as per their instinct and experience.
Plaintiff’s life care planning expert, Shannon Karreon, estimated that the baby will live 45 years and will need 16 hours of home care every day. As part of an unspecified demand, plaintiff’s counsel calculated a life care plan that would include an annuity of $2.5 million.
Defense counsel disputed the damages, and defense life care planner Tom Lowitz predicted that the baby’s life expectancy was a maximum of 14 years. The defense calculated a life care plan that would include an annuity of $1.8 million.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
SUMMARY:
Award Total: $2,500,000
RESULT: Mediated Settlement
The case settled for $2.5 million, all of which will be paid by the hospital as the OB-GYN was dismissed without prejudice. Plaintiff’s counsel informed that some of the recovery will be put into annuities that will pay out over time.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.