According to the March of Dimes website, about two or three babies in 1,000 are born with cerebral palsy. In many cases, there are other birth defects or health conditions other than cerebral palsy that the baby and the family must learn to deal with. When these health problems are a result of malpractice or negligence by the mother’s physician, it’s even more sad. However, compensation may be sought from the doctor, other medical staff and even the facility itself through a civil lawsuit.

In another state, a jury has awarded an 11-year-old boy and his mother $14.5 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The suit was initially filed in 2004, but it was dismissed in 2006. The suit was filed again in 2011.

The mother alleged in the suit that she was not given a caesarean section in time to prevent her 24-week-old fetus from developing a brain hemorrhage. The child has cognitive delays, vision difficulties and other medical issues. In addition, the boy suffers from cerebral palsy.

The jury determined that the doctor and hospital did not tell the mother about the risk of brain hemorrhage if the baby went into fetal distress. As a result, the jury felt that there was medical negligence. A total of $8 million was awarded for the child’s future medical care. There was $5 million awarded for the boy’s pain and suffering. Another $1 million was awarded to the mother for her time taking care of her son. Finally, $500,000 was awarded for past economic losses.

Connecticut residents w have experienced medical malpractice, you may also have grounds for a lawsuit. While compensation won’t undo what happened, it can make life a little less stressful.

Source:  cleveland.com, “Garfield Heights boy and mother awarded $14.5 million in malpractice case” Karen Farkas, Jun. 13, 2014