Mother's Stroke Following Childbirth: $2.7 Million Settlement
Mother suffers postpartum intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in severe and permanent neurological injuries
2023 Medical Malpractice Settlement Report
By William J. Thompson, Attorney
Washington County Superior Court
The plaintiff, then age 29, suffered a postpartum intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in severe and permanent neurological injuries. She presented to the ED about 2 weeks after delivery with a continuous headache for two days and nausea. The defendant ED doctor diagnosed the plaintiff with an acute headache, the cause of which was unclear. The doctor noted the plaintiff’s symptoms had resolved. A nurse was also involved with the discharge.
The following day, the plaintiff experienced slurred speech and left sided paralysis. She presented to another ED with left sided hemiparesis, slurred speech, weakness, left sided facial droop, and headache. A stroke code was called and a CT scan revealed a 3.5 cm right frontoparietal intraparenchymal hematoma, concerning for active bleed. Neurosurgery was consulted and opted for medical management versus surgical intervention.
The plaintiff was discharged to rehabilitation for 4 weeks and then discharged to home. She continues to suffer from left sided weakness in both her arm and leg, but her speech is improved. She had gait difficulties for a time, but now does not require a brace or assistive device for ambulation.
The plaintiff claimed the ED doctor and nurse failed to recognize and appreciate signs and symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia; failed to order a urinalysis to evaluate for protein in urine; failed to order and obtain an obstetrical consultation or admit for observation. The defendants denied liability contending they both met the standard of care.
The case settled prior to trial for $2,700,000.
Lubin & Meyer medical malpractice attorneys Andrew C. Meyer, Jr. and William J. Thompson represented the plaintiff in this case.
Learn more about:
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about other significant birth injury verdicts and settlements and how our medical malpractice lawyers may be able to help you.
Other recent maternal death cases:
Maternal Death Case Settles Quickly in Mediation for $12 Million Before Filing Lawsuit
Death of Mother and Infant in Delivery Gone Wrong: $2.95 Million Settlement
$4 Million Maternal Death Lawsuit: Failure To Monitor Preclampsia
Also see our Patient Safety Blog posts:
Mothers Dying in Childbirth — A Preventable Tragedy
$35.4 Million Verdict in Mother’s Childbirth Stroke Case Upheld on Appeal
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