A mother in another state has filed a lawsuit against the hospital where her daughter was born, claiming it is responsible for the child’s death. According to the mother, a ransomware attack contributed to her daughter suffering a birth injury that left her needing round-the-clock care until her death. She is seeking unspecified damages. While this situation is uncommon, it could happen in California, and families affected may following in this woman’s footsteps and seek compensation for their losses as well.
What happened?
According to reports, the woman went to her local hospital to deliver her baby on July 19, 2019. She was unaware that, at the time, the hospital’s computer systems had been hacked, so medical providers were forced to depend on older technology to monitor both her and her baby. Unfortunately, the lack of more sophisticated monitoring systems contributed to hospital staff failing to notice the baby in distress due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around her neck. She was born lifeless but was resuscitated and transferred to the intensive care unit. Despite continuous medical treatment, she died nine months later.
Who is responsible?
The mother blames the hospital. The hospital blames the doctor. Only time will tell if either is held responsible for their role in the child’s death.
Compensation
If this woman’s case is successful, she may receive compensation for any documented economic and non-economic losses suffered by her, her family and her daughter. These losses might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress — among various others. The same can be said for families in California who pursue birth injury lawsuits. Legal counsel can help them fight for maximum relief either through out-of-court negotiations or litigation.