Brain Damage - Cerebral Palsy
Settlement: $1,600,000

The mother was admitted to the hospital at term with signs of decreased amniotic fluid. Labor was induced with Pitocin, but the fetus could not tolerate the Pitocin-induced contractions. As the Pitocin was increased, the fetus went into distress. When it was shut off, labor slowed. Ultimately, the obstetrician pushed the Pitocin too hard, resulting in severe fetal distress and ultimately brain damage due to birth asphyxia.

The obstetrician settled the case for his full insurance policy limits of $1,000,000. The hospital contributed $ 600,000, even though the physician was present at all times during the management of the labor - on the theory that they should have exercised and pursued their "chain of command" and gone over the obstetrician's head.