Alleged Unnecessary Induction of Labor Results in Hyperstimulation, Birth Injury; $5M Settlement

February 24, 2012 | Strategic Insights for Ambulatory Care

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A settlement of $5 million was reached in Missouri with a hospital and obstetrician regarding a malpractice lawsuit in which the alleged unnecessary induction of labor caused hyperstimulation that resulted in several birth injuries, states the December 2011 Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements, and Experts. The plaintiffs (the parents) said that their obstetrician suggested inducing labor at 39 weeks. The obstetrician told the plaintiffs that she would be out of town on vacation and most likely would not be there to deliver the infant if natural labor occurred. The obstetrician said she could induce labor that night if the parents wanted her to deliver the infant that night or the next morning. The parents were allegedly told that the infant was healthy and ready to be delivered. When the father asked about risks, the obstetrician did not describe any significant risks, according to the article. The parents chose to have the induction in a hospital that afternoon.

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