Broward County (Fla) Circuit Court
A woman at 40 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital for labor and delivery. During delivery, the obstetrician encountered shoulder dystocia.
The child was born with a left brachial plexus injury that resulted in reduced function of his arm. Several surgeries were required to correct the injury.
In suing, the mother claimed that the doctor placed excessive lateral pressure on the infant’s head during delivery.
The doctor argued that he had used appropriate delivery procedures under the circumstances.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,341,500.