Navy Family Settles $11.5M Birth Injury Claim

A sailor and his wife have settled a birth injury lawsuit with the federal government after a traumatic labor and delivery experience in a military hospital. The man was stationed in Guam when his wife went into labor with their baby boy. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors noticed fetal stool in the amniotic fluid. When the tool typically used to suck out fetal stool fell behind the hospital bed, the doctor opted to perform a bulb suctioning procedure instead. Tragically, the child was lifeless and not breathing. Hospital staff worked to get the child breathing again, and when an anesthesia provider suctioned the baby’s endotracheal tube, breathing improved.

The Lifelong Impact

While the baby’s life was saved, the damage had already been done. An MRI performed shortly after birth revealed severe brain damage typically caused by oxygen deprivation. The family’s lawsuit alleges that had the baby been properly evaluated and resuscitated, the child might have gone on to live a healthy life. Instead, the baby developed cerebral palsy that will require lifelong, round-the-clock care.

Justice for the Family

Because the incident occurred in Guam, the family was able to pursue compensation beyond the typical $2.15 million cap for Virginians. The family was awarded $11.5 million in damages. While no amount of money will undo the trauma sustained by this family, the settlement can ensure the best possible life for the victim.

Virginia Birth Injury Lawyers

If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by a medical mistake, call our attorneys to set up a confidential consultation. A free, no-risk conversation is just a phone call away. Unless we win your case or settle, you won’t owe our firm anything. Call now 877-544-5323.

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