Misdiagnosis of Preterm Labor Leads to Emergency C-section at 23 Weeks; $25M Award

​​After an alleged misdiagnosis of preterm labor and placental abruption, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) delivered the baby via emergency cesarean section (C-section) at 23 weeks, leading to severe brain damage. In a lawsuit brought against the hospital and the attending physician in Maryland state court, a jury has awarded $34 million to the child's parents, according to a March 31, 2023, article​ in theDaily Record. The award will likely be reduced to $25 million per the state cap on noneconomic damages.

The mother presented to the hospital, reporting lower abdominal cramping and back pain. Testing was performed, but according to the parents, the results showed no signs of labor or placental abruption, and the operative note indicated that the patient had no documented contractions after admission to the labor and delivery unit. Soon after delivery, the baby showed signs of brain damage. He will depend on others...