May 8, 2012 – According to a news story on SanLuisObispo, a jury has awarded a San Luis Obispo, California family over $74 million in damages, deeming the doctor was negligent during the birth of their child, which resulted in cerebral palsy. Andrew and Jennifer Blunt sued Dr. Kurt Haupt on behalf of their disabled 3-year-old daughter, Sofia. The money will be used to cover Sofia’s medical care throughout her lifetime.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Sofia’s heart rate was fluctuating erratically during the birthing process, and Dr. Haupt failed to speed up delivery or perform an examination of umbilical cord blood, a test that would have evaluated the newborn’s health.
The lawsuit initially named Sierra Vista as a party to the case, but the hospital settled for an undisclosed amount 2 weeks into the trial. There are plans to bring a civil case against Tenet Healthcare Corp, Sierra Vista’s parent company, as well. There is a chance that the judge presiding over this case will reduce the amount in damages awarded.
California has a medical malpractice pain and suffering damage cap of $250,000; however, the state of Kentucky does not impose a limit on the amount of damages a plaintiff can pursue. It is imperative you seek a lawyer if you fall victim to medical malpractice and your baby suffers the consequences of a birth injury.
Contacting a Kentucky Birth Injury Attorney
Cerebral palsy occurs when the infant is deprived of oxygen, resulting in permanent brain damage. The law offices of Gray & White focus exclusively on birth injuries caused by medical negligence. If your child was born with cerebral palsy in Kentucky, Gray & White may be able to help. For a free consultation, call today – (502)-210-8942.