When most soon-to-be parents in Texas think of the impending births of their children, they likely have visions of safe deliveries, short periods of time spent at hospitals and arriving at home with their new bundles of joy. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many parents. Some children are born early or with medically complex issues, requiring additional care in hospital neonatal intensive care units. While the goal of the NICU is to provide appropriate medical care for infants, one out-of-state woman claims that hospital negligence, in the form of a human error made by a nurse, actually resulted in her child's brain damage.
The young child at the center of this case was born in January 2013. Although she was five weeks premature, doctors reportedly told the mother that the child was healthy. Just days after the child's birth, the mother discovered the child lifeless and pale in the NICU. She reportedly noticed that her daughter's diaper was soaked and saw a puddle on the floor.
According to reports, a nurse did not properly calibrate a feeding tube, resulting in the child receiving excessive amounts of glucose. The glucose caused an imbalance, ultimately depriving her brain of oxygen. While she survived, she now suffers from cerebral palsy. Speaking and walking is a struggle for the now 3-year-old girl who requires care 24 hours a day.
The hospital has recently settled a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the mother for $20 million. While hopeful that the settlement will provide for her child's medical needs, the mother also hopes that the case will result in a review and revision of procedures, including requiring that critical actions are documented and double-checked. Unfortunately, hospital negligence happens too frequently. Victims in Texas also have the option of seeking legal recourse, and experienced attorneys can help them better understand their legal options. Consultation service from Maloney Law Group is free. Contact us today to get started.