$15.35M Settlement Reached in Birth Injury Lawsuit

Settlement was recently reached in a birth injury lawsuit that was filed in Aurora , IL . The medical malpractice case found that the doctor and assistants who partook in the delivery of the plaintiff's child are responsible for the birth injuries. The family, who served as the plaintiffs in the suit, were given $15.35 million in the settlement.

Birth Injuries Result from Pregnancy

The lawsuit was filed by the mother of a child who was born with brain damage and is now living with cerebral palsy. Vanessa Jenkins was admitted to Valley West Community Hospital in October of 2001 to give birth to her son. According to the lawsuit, during the delivery, the doctor reportedly failed to successfully use the vacuum extractor device. This device is typically used and needed to prevent brain injuries in newborns. When doctors eventually discovered the child's heart was having complications, the doctors were forced to do an emergency C-section.

Mother Takes Action

Jenkins' son, Cody Smithey, was born with cerebral palsy and slight mental retardation. The settlement money will be used for past and future medical expenses. (Source: Chicago Tribune) Do you have a child living with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury? Please contact us today to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney who specializes in cerebral palsy cases and can ensure that you and your loved ones are getting the legal help you need.