Mother wins settlement for baby's brain damage

March 13, 2004 - Boston Herald

By David Weber

A Bristol County woman has agreed to a $5.5 million settlement in her lawsuit against a nurse and a midwife after inattention to fetal monitors during the birth of her baby led to profound and permanent brain injuries.

After about 20 hours of labor at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, the baby girl was born Nov. 15, 1997, with her umbilical cord wrapped tightly around her neck, preventing her from receiving necessary oxygen. Now 6 years old, she is unable to walk, talk, feed herself or dress herself.

Attorney Andrew C. Meyer Jr., who represented the mother, said he hoped the monetary settlement would help the little girl's family pay for ongoing medical care. Meyer said the increasing use of midwives for hospital births is disturbing.

"The real question is how well-trained and how well-qualified are they and whether or not they know enough to get help from a doctor when they need it," Meyer said.

For case details, see Medical Malpractice Settlement Report

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