MDLinxEmergency C-section Leads to $34 Million Award in Malpractice Suit

Unnecessary C-section Leads to Brain Damage: A Case Study in Obstetric Malpractice

A recent malpractice case in Maryland has resulted in a $34 million award to a family after an emergency C-section led to brain damage in their infant. This case highlights the significant risks and potential legal consequences associated with obstetric procedures and underscores the importance of effective communication and understanding of patient backgrounds in healthcare.

Key Points

• The jury found St. Joseph Medical Center at fault for brain damage to an infant following a 2018 emergency C-section.
• The mother, Tara Anderson, was diagnosed with premature labor and fetal distress when she sought care for back pain and lower abdominal cramping.
• Despite no signs of placental abruption or labor, an emergency C-section was performed when Mrs. Anderson was 23 weeks pregnant.
• The child, Ethan Anderson, showed signs of brain damage after the delivery and will require extensive medical care and support for the rest of his life.
• The Anderson family was awarded almost $34 million, with $20 million intended to cover Ethan’s future medical care.

“Doing obstetrics, being named in a lawsuit is almost an occupational hazard because of its nature. I think if you do enough obstetrics, no matter how good [you] think you are, it’s going to happen, especially in labor and delivery. There’s an ‘X Factor’ in managing patients [who are in] labor because it’s a very dynamic environment.”
— Darion Burch, DO, an obstetrician with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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