RACINE, Wis. — A Wisconsin family has been awarded $10 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit after their daughter sustained severe brain damage during childbirth at Ascension All Saints Hospital nearly six years ago. The child, Ka’Mya Minor, now six years old, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy before her second birthday and remains largely nonverbal, though she is learning sign language.
According to the family’s attorney, Matthew Patterson, this legal victory marks a rare outcome in a state where hospitals and medical teams typically prevail in over 90% of similar cases. Patterson emphasized the impactful nature of the decision, noting how it underscores issues of medical accountability and the critical need for proper drug administration.
Monica Cerna, Ka’Mya’s mother, recounted a smooth pregnancy followed by complications during labor which led to doctors administering Pitocin, a synthetic drug used to induce labor. Cerna asserted that she was not informed of its use at the time, a point of contention in the trial. Pitocin, while generally safe, can lead to severe consequences if not correctly monitored.
The administration of the drug led to an extended period of strong contractions and, upon birth via cesarean section, Ka’Mya was not breathing adequately and showed weak vital signs. She was immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and subsequently transferred to Children’s Hospital. It was there that brain scans revealed significant damage, attributed to the handling of her delivery.
Patterson pointed out during the proceedings that the tragedy could have been averted. He argued that the handling of Pitocin and the ensuing excessive contractions directly contributed to the brain damage Ka’Mya suffered, describing the situation as preventable and a result of medical negligence.
The jury sided with the Minor family, finding Ascension All Saints Hospital and the attending obstetrician negligent in their management of Pitocin and the labor procedure. According to Patterson, the judgment underscores a fundamental lesson in medical care, emphasizing patient safety and strict adherence to appropriate treatment protocols.
Legal experts suggest the ruling could influence future medical malpractice litigation, highlighting the importance of transparency and precision in the use of labor-inducing drugs. It also points to the broader implications for patient rights and the standard of care patients expect and deserve to receive.
As medical malpractice cases in Wisconsin and beyond continue to evolve, this ruling not only brings a sense of justice to the Minor family but also shines a light on the essential balance between using medical advancements and maintaining patient safety.
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