When Kentucky residents seek treatment in hospitals and other medical care facilities, they expect to receive the best possible care available. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as medical malpractice is one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. A family in another state was recently awarded $130 million from a lawsuit they filed against a hospital after their son was permanently injured soon after birth.
According to the lawsuit, the boy had a premature birth but was discharged from the hospital within 48 hours. Not long after birth, the lawsuit said the boy had developed a kidney condition that required monitoring. The boy underwent an ultrasound and a renal scan, which required an IV line, the plaintiffs said. It was alleged that the hospital staff had trouble establishing the IV line, but once the IV was established, the boy’s condition rapidly worsened to the point where he stopped breathing.
Allegedly, the mother tried to inform the hospital staff of her child’s condition, but the staff failed to check for a heartbeat or perform chest compressions on the boy. The boy suffered a lack of oxygen and blood to his brain, which resulted in cerebral palsy, the lawsuit claimed. The boy, now 12 years old, requires around the clock care.
Tragically, negligence by doctors and other health care professionals can permanently affect the lives of patients and families. Kentucky families who have been affected by medical malpractice may be able to take legal action. By filing a lawsuit, families could receive a substantial monetary award that can be used to cover medical expenses, the costs of ongoing care and other financial losses.